I'll back up and add to what others have said on Excalibur.

Prices are getting better, and with a little bit of time put in, you can farm something that can easily make you a ton of money in no time to be caught up with at least the "mid class" folks, gil-wise.
There is constantly groups going. And even if it should happen to be empty on PF (happens rarely on Sun nights), you can post something and it WILL fill within the first posting time.
Huge amount of linkshells covering nearly everything in the game. Just shout in Idyllshire or Foundation for whatever you're looking for a linkshell of.
Lots of familiar faces in the major 'city' centres. I could probably drop about 5 random names I see here from Idyllshire right now, and probably anyone on the forums from Excal will recognize the names, just cause they're always online. XD
You can easily find an FC for practically anything in just a shout or ad on the PF. So don't fret about being alone when you get here for long.