I can echo the OPs disappointment so far, but I've played FFXI and thought this game would be surefire.. my renewal after trial is really in question right now.

My number one complaint is the de-emphasis on exploration compared to FFXI. Everything feels pre-planned with little room to get lost/accidentally killed in areas you're not supposed to be in. Not even the airships are the same, unless I'm missing something. It's just a short cutscene now.. no mingling with people and catching the ship on schedule like it's a living, breathing metro system.

My number two complaint is that the game does not feel very social. Despite having a couple real life friends playing, social connections don't really seem encouraged. People want to invite me into Free Companies left and right, but they are unreceptive to my smalltalk. I want to chat about things other than the game and joke around. Maybe that fun FC is still out there :/

It's not what I expected either, but it's still very early.