I've few complain before patch1.18.
After a day of gameplay yesterday, I'll say it's a good start for FFXIV.

The Right Direction:
- Mobs generally become harder due to new gameplay.
- The dungeon is very chanllege. Expect more of this content to be released.
- Class is re-balance, hate-alorg is re-calculated. GOOD mage and tank will become incredibly demanding( and leadership of the team)
- DD class can be play in various style. Not only to archer.
- SP gain in various way, not only leve/behest.

1.19 and onward:
- Job system will probably be very interesting. Like Con/Thm > Red Mage..etc
- SP gain is not so-easy mode anymore, so when new class introduce will be rewarding to put effort to rank it.
- Ifrit battle, chocobo, settlement, the already mentioned stuff, looking forward on it
- maybe a few minor fix.

Things needed to be careful( For dev team):
- Don't pay too much attention for people who whine for easier life, unless it's really positive opinion.
- JPs player are possibly much more in numbers than the rest of international player. Satisfy them first. This is the right way to do.
- Keep the hard-core stuff coming. Like discussed before, if you keep a good LS functioning(with old members), you attract new player to stay as well.
- Please work on your advertisement department soon.
- Oh, do'nt get cocky yet. We do'nt know what happen when payment enroll.
- Good luck!