I've given a lot of thought into what motivated me so strongly when I first began to play FFXI, and the biggest part of it was the reward of gaining access to a zone I didn't have, Tu'Lia (Sky).

Back when I first started playing FFXI in December of 2003, I can remember first hearing about the zone in game, and then naturally logging off quickly to research it. I could only find a few pictures that featured the monsters in the zone in a few websites. From what I could see in the background, it was beautiful and mysterious, and it was what I thought about most when I tried to level as quickly as I could and join an LS for help progressing through Zilart.

I could try to describe the feeling I had when I first stepped into Ru'Aun Gardens, but it wouldn't do it any justice. Ru'Aun Gardens felt so vast and gorgeous, that you could explore it forever and still get lost. (I think we all did) Adding in the music in Tu'Lia, the ambiance is still unmatched in any game, for me personally. I had the same drive and similar emotions when I found out about the Lumoria region when CoP was released.
I really really hope the developers and designers of FFXIV are or will consider zones as a reward for the end of a mission/expansion story line. I think most FFXI players felt something similar to what I did for Tu'Lia and Lumoria, and it's something I hope FFXIV players who haven't played FFXI will get to experience. It's not just a piece of gear that will someday be obsolete, a zone is a reward that you can share with your in-game friends, and the people you worked hard with to get there, for as long as you play.

With how incredible FFXIV graphics are, I'm very excited at the idea new zones in the future, hopefully with some really fantastic themes!

PS: I were playing God I would put whoever or whomever was responsible for designing Tu'Lia and Al'Taieu on the FFXIV first expansion team, and just let them (hopefully) work their miracles again. I'd give them back rubs and cigarettes, hand deliver any 3 meals a day, and put them up in the most luxurious hotel near their workplace.