1. The patch frequency is great. Faster than a lot of games I've played in the past.
2. The changes themselves have been numerous and overall great.
3. Once it's fixed up entirely it should be fine. FFXIV has always been a bit of a niche title, it's not for everyone but it will have its own audience.
4. Possibly. I mean as I stated above, it's not for everyone. It will likely have a decent sustainable population once it's fixed up. Anything above that is a bonus.
5. Overall the changes have been going in the right direction. I don't agree with all the decisions but i can generally see the good in them.
6. They've done what they've had to to keep the largest number of people happy. The core of the game is being changed and content is being added.