I think SE can really make a break through in this world by incorporate few newer leveling system.
Of course, keeping what is currently with FFXIV. I personally think SE want use to grind months and months to reach level 50 or what after, but i feel as that is what keep players playing.
I personally, don't play FFXIV as much whenever i log on, get 8 leve, do them solo and get 100 sp per kill and 1000sp per leve while every level above 30 get a 4000 xp jump while the sp remain the same.
I am very close to quitting, and i would if they keeping this system for sure. In FFXI, at least i can seek group and do something fun while seeking,but FFXIV is too much a get and go game, while group leves in FFXIV is as boring as solo, why? Everyone just ZERG or "someone" got to AFK every once in awhile and the saddest part is my SP is still no better then 1000 sp per leve.
In the end, I am not reaching my goals here in a day of gaming, that is what really de-motivated my gaming experience. I couldn't stay log in for more then 1 hour a week.
Here is my suggestion of some sort of new leveling system.
1. Political leveling - import the idea of campaign instead of giving bonus xp percentage like most game, players should get a stable income of SP per day by doing things for their nations which calculate at the end of the day. While fatigue system is in place this will prevent the over accumulation as well.
Meanwhile, players should given the option to leave their character online for specific slow SP income events that is complete automatic. It won't offset the balance because "opportunity cost" will kick in, players can earn more SP vs less SP by their effort, in the end everyone wins because it will keep a server populated, casual players can level their pace, while hardcore still get what effort they give. In the end everyone will CAP the game given 1-2 years, why not give them the sp and keep their subscription.
There is no worry about leechers when you limit the amount every reset or fatigue kicking in.
A PVP war event would definitely be great, but controlling outpost they should gain more or less. Killing NM that roam in the areas would do so as well or doing leves in the nation area.
This will keep players log on and the server will feel more lively (with bots or players).
2. Level-link, i think FFXIV is only one that can use this idea. I think it would be more fun adding SP from other jobs depend on what job is use following another job. SE should put a random system where specific weeks, some combination will give a SP boost to the job of follow. For example. DoM > DoH (10%sp) > DoW (20%SP) after reach some limit on each job. It is more an anti-fatigue but encourage more players to play more varies of jobs instead.
3. Would love to see Daily missions, where it should generate 10% of a level or around. Something other then killing X... something like party with a friend to go to XXX area. Or do a certain emote to certain NPC...
4. Instead of behest, i want to see invasions. Invasions from all sort of monster in an outpost would definitely be fun.
5. Group craft leves or something group craft would also be a good idea, like synergy from FFXI.
there are so many option, i hope they add something soon, or i am just going to give up on mmorpg.