1. How do you feel about the patch frequency?
I've only just joined but from what I've seen and heard they tend to run on a regular 2 month basis, with the possible exception of delays. Given how much content they appear to pour into each patch though, it's an acceptable amount of time to do all the coding, changes, possible model making and testing before integrating it into the game.

2. How do you feel about the changes themselves?
Though I never experienced it the battle system before auto-attack was introduced didn't sound like the kind of thing I'd have liked. I'm also very much looking forward to jobs and future classes as well as adjustments to the crafting and battling systems, so I'm quite excited to see what happens over the course of time.

3. How do you feel this game will fair against current upcoming titles?
It'll never be as popular as Warcraft has been, nor will any changes or expansions be as hyped-up and long-awaited as Star Wars: The Old Republic, but the game offers a more unique and different playing style to other more fast-paced MMO's both currently available and soon to be released, so although it won't rise above them all, it'll still have a nice and steady community that should keep it going, even more so with the PS3 release.

4. Do you think this game will ever exceed niche popularity?
Maybe when the PS3 version comes out. At the moment it's suffering from it's poor launch and many people don't trust it due to bad reviews and word-of-mouth from people who have played it, but I think given time and additional content, an expansion could possibly boost it's popularity if it features something never before seen in other MMO's.

5. Do you think the changes are in the right or wrong direction?
I never really argue with 'right' or 'wrong' with the direction an MMO takes. If I enjoy it I enjoy it, if I don't I concentrate on other parts of the game that I do enjoy. I like the sound of the job system, even though it's been pretty vague, and am looking forward to how it turns out. I'm expecting a lot of forum raging from it, but also a lot of people saying how much they like and enjoy it. Online games can never cater to every single players needs and wants, so there can never really be a right or wrong direction. Though I guess personally I think it is going in the right direction, S.E seem to be taking their time to make sure new content and additions are up to the standard people expect, rather than just throwing out half-finished material like other MMO's have done in the past. (Though many would also say that FFXIV was half-finished material upon release day)

6. Do you think that they have focused on the most important things historically with patches or should the focus have been elsewhere?
I think so far they've concentrated on improving certain things we liked but wanted more of, and changed things we didn't like and wanted a different system for it. That in itself shows they're focusing on trying to make the game something that the players like to play and want to keep coming back to, something that all MMO developers should always focus on. Previous patches made changes to the battle system, this patch is making changes to the leve and travelling system, 1.20/1.21 patch is making changes to the class/job role system. Each patch seems to be centered more on improving one big thing in the game in accordance to the feedback they've received from players, with small tweaks on other things whilst they try to think of ways to improve them overall. It wouldn't surprise me if the 1.22 patch may include a new enviroment to explore or crafting 'jobs' to allow more customisable clothing and equipment. The patches do indeed have focus and I think they're doing the right thing, all they need is patience from the players whilst they impliment all the additional content to make the whole of eorzea that much more fun and exciting to be in.