Why can't we place macros with /hotbar ?

[Laraul]

You must not know the game's Macro policy.

Here is the macro feature policy for FFXIV:

1. Do not make it so macros must be used.
2. Minimizing and optimizing actions without error beyond that of human control is not allowed.
3. Make it a support feature that can be used by people that are a bit shaky at controlling the game to ensure control, while not making it 100% optimized.
4. The player makes the execution decision. We will not be implementing a feature where the macros makes its own decisions. For example: We will not be implementing a feature that executes things based on certain criteria (player status, enemy HP, certain actions, etc.)

They don't want to allow macros to be used to make the interface easier to use because they want us to use the user interface they intended. Personally I can not see how giving Macros added functionality would somehow ruin the game. Has it ruined any other games? Not that I know of.

I suppose this type of thinking explains the 1,000 forum character limit though. "We want you to express your thoughts in 1,000 characters or less because we think that should be enough for ANYONE!"

I must admit I have a rather cynical view on why SE does some things they do.