What exactly is positive about being lied to by the devs and having free companies not get a house because someone wants a plot all to themselves?

You're getting too wrapped up in logic and price. It could have been an empty square of land and you build the house yourself for all it matters. The fact is, they lied to us, and now lots of FCs will never get the house they want. Prices of things are irrelevant in this game since gil is so easy to get, players just don't like being lied to.

"Originally Posted by Naoki_Yoshida
Personal Housing
While I cannot give a specific date on when personal housing will be implemented, I can say that prices will be completely separate from free company housing, and, naturally, far more affordable."