The way you look at the world is different in FFXIV for a single reason, easy mode, in old MMOs like ffxi or everquest, you had to pay attention to the world surrounding you, because if you didn't you could be attacked by something dangerous or miss a hidden way or a quest, nostalgia is a factor too, but they way MMOs are designed nowadays make them lack immersion, and that's what makes a MOO feel epic.

So no, ffxiv will never feel that epic, even for new players, and for now there's not a single new MMO capable a causing that feeling.