The thing is you want to keep hardcore players happy, but also do not want to alienate your more casual fan base. That's bad business sense and the money they pay each month to play is as valid as every hardcore player (I actually think some of the more hardcore players would rather see a game fail than give anything for casual players). Personally, I'm a "hardcore casual". I know my job, I'm good at it and do whatever I can to improve myself. But I don't dedicate my life to this game. I've been invited to Savage statics, but can't do them because of my work schedule. I also enjoy playing other games.

I think FFXIV strikes a decent balance.