Has it always been like this or...?

[Duuude007]

So my question is... has the end game always been this way? Is there no one left who wants to play through the dungeon at a reasonable pace so I can appreciate the content I worked for?

There is. Specifically other new players. The easiest way to find them is by using PF. Fair warning, they trickle in, much like Cape Westwind, so you could be waiting awhile. But at least you retain your immersion.

Is there nothing that can be done to prevent this sort of content and player abuse?

Its a double edged sword, and I am certain many people grinding will accuse those idle watching cutscenes as 'leeching', a different form of abuse. Regardless... anything that punishes returning players lowers their incentive to join, which will harm your queue time significantly. Your best bet is to ask when you enter and leave if they do not comply, or try the PF method I listed above.

Why does Square reward such toxic behavior?

Be careful with that term... your tone could be misinterpreted as toxic to some. Not me, but still.

I was practically in tears when I left FFXIV last night and for the first time I actually wanted to cancel my subscription and uninstall. If this is the sort of treatment I have to look forward to, I shudder to think what people will say if I ever play with less that optimal gear or I don't perform perfectly as a tank >_>;.

DF is literally a roulette of people and play styles, and in this world, the majority vote rules on how to progress. If you want to avoid the chance of dealing with an undesirable crowd or being the minority of how a party wishes to operate, you have the power to create your own circle of like minded people.

In the same breath, please don't blame the community for the sins of a few asshats.