Very nice video - I thoroughly enjoyed watching it multiple times.

I loved playing SMN in FFXI because of the "pet-class" feel of it, and that each avatar had some unique (and well-wanted) abilities. I also really liked the SMNs in FFVII - though I have to admit, I probably really just liked watching the [some] two-minute cut-scenes lol. I hope if (well, when) SMN is introduced they keep the same or similar play-style from that of FFXI, and with what you've (OP) introduced in your post/video would be an awesome idea to integrate into it as well - the TNG of the original Star Trek series in a way.

Having the robustness of FFXI's SMN mixed with the "supreme-power-like" (?) of FFVII's (and other FF's) SMNs could really create a unique job/class for FFXIV. Perhaps in small parties, xp groups, leve groups, etc., you would use abilities that were more geared towards those types of situations you would be expected to encounter; they would have a low risk and low to moderate outcomes (e.g., Carbuncle's Glittering Ruby or Shiva's Ice Spikes from FFXI - the cost of using these abilities were pretty low, and the effects were "meh" to "so-so"). Whereas in large-scale "end-game-like" content you would use abilities that would be considered high risk and high outcomes (e.g., SMN in FFXI's Astral Flow - drained all of your MP and could only use it every 2 hours but did some serious AoE damage. Not that I'm suggesting they bring back "2 hours" from that game, but just illustrating an example). As a player, you would have to decide which abilities to use/equip/set/etc. for the given situation: play too "risky" when it's not needed and you'll be left without means to do other abilities; play too "safe" during an intense battle and you'll be ineffective.