I don't agree with Yoshida on this. Leveling should feel like an achievement. Otherwise there is simply no point to it.

Levels allow there to be things to look forward to. It's not the same when you're already at level cap. It shouldn't be made into feeling like a race. Then what's the point in the first place? Why can we apply materia to gear lower than level 50? Wasting time with things like that only holds you down. Level 50 is where everything is at.