XI lots of redundancy-ARR has lots of simplicity
XI most jobs use same interface but play differently mechanics wise-ARR most classes/jobs use same interface but play similarly mechanics wise
XI is unbalanced due to varied job mechanics-ARR is balanced due to similar job mechanics.
XI skill use mostly governed by tp/mp-ARR mostly governed by cooldown.

3 or 8 tier cures?Who cares. In one game combat is slower I have spurts of spam with more buttons/tiers & in the other combat so fast I spam all the time with less buttons/tiers. ARR feels more like playing GodOfWar than a Final Fantasy pace wise.

I'd like to see the cooldowns removed from all but each classes most powerful skills. The tp/mp cost raised to use skills & the damage raised. And some form of synergy system through whole fights. Skillchains, combos, regiment, Chrono Trigger's combos, anything. The goal should be less gauge watching, more player watching, support and beef each other up.