What did we actually get in Patch 2.4's storyline:

>Storyline that generates hype for 3.0 through introduction of Aymeric, who provides a proper mouthpiece for Ishgard regarding Eorzea's situation.
>A deeper look into the Ishgardian faith, namely through the conflict between the Houses of Fortemps and Durendaire against Iceheart's followers, and how Saint Shiva committed the greatest sin by laying with a dragon, something Iceheart and her followers consider to be a holy union.
>The potential revival of Midgardsormr, who is considered by Ishgard to be a Bahamut-level threat.
>The new Garlean emperor has not only shown himself, but has allies deeply embedded within the ranks of the Immortal Flames and maybe even the Syndicate as well.
>In order to better protect Ul'dah and make her people more prosperous, she intends to renounce the throne and transform Ul'dah into a democratic state governed by its people.
>Teledji Adeledji intent on making a more direct move against the Royalists, which could put a very serious damper on the Sultana's plans.

That's just bullet points for the Main Scenario quests, which is about two patches worth of story content as far as previous patches are concerned.

As far as MMO stories go, this is actually really damn impressive, even if it does have a "but thou must" quality to it.