After much deliberation & discussion on these forums regarding PvP, I've come to these thoughts:
1) Many players believe a PvP Server could be too divisive at this point, forcing friends/players away from each other & their home servers... also it would be maybe too much work to distract SE with when there are other sufficient alternatives out there. Not out of the question but perhaps not the best solution.
2) Too many concerns around straight open-world PvP or dedicated PvP Zones.
3) Enabling duels anywhere would ruin the immersion for many.
THE ULTIMATE SOLUTION
Dedicated Arenas (small-scale so as to keep a tiny footprint, barely affecting the landscape or affecting PvE at all) spread about Eorzea which players can enter into if they so choose.
Could be made so you speak to an NPC to enter into an Arena & others can naturally spectate from the outside of the ring.
Taking this one step further, periodically PvP-Specific FATE's could occur within certain Arena's.
Various types (deathmatch, king of the hill, objective collection, etc.), this could be huge. Bronze/Silver/Gold award scaling PvP Exp./Wolf Marks & perhaps PvP Tokens for PvP-Specific Buffs/Materia/Potions, etc.
As well, for equitability's sake, the PvP FATE's should probably all be FFA so large groups can't bully people out & monopolize the rewards (like how win-trading ruined Wolves Den). Group play can be for the instanced environments. However, if groups wanted to party up & duel during "FATE Downtime", they may choose to do so (this way you can host some really interesting events with your FC or dabble in fun non-traditional formats).
Some really neat stuff could be done like Arena Hazards activating with the FATE's as well as some contestable objectives, etc.
Zero benefit to PvE so as not to "force" anyone into PvP Content.
Additionally, if certain people wanted a non-disrupted dueling experience, there could be certain little walk-in arenas where a Duel Request is permitted, separate from the others strictly designed for uninterrupted dueling.
Fair Compromise y'all think?
SE PLEASE!!!
I don't normally ask for upvotes, but I think this suggestion is a huge win for fans of PvP & fair enough even those who are indifferent could help support it for our (the pvper's) sake if willing... a lot of apprehension to PvP in their FF on these forums, so a +1 to help this get traction even if it's not for you per se would mean a lot! Appreciate the consideration.