I played FFXI for 5 years and loved every second of it. I was also single at the time. That meant I could play every day for as long as I wanted, and still couldn't keep up with everything FFXI had to offer.

The issue right now is that FFXIV can't please both types of crowds. You have the older me type that has a lot of time to play and you have the actual me type, with a family and kids and a full time job.

I think, with time, FFXIV will end up pleasing both groups, and have the HNM which we all love or the instanced raids which some don't like.

In my opinion, as long as they introduce new content every time suitable to both types, people will keep playing.

Meanwhile, I am sure the arguments on the forums will never cease.