XIV is two...two...two games in one.

Casuals (like me) can take their time, complete every main story quest, every side quest (preferably lvl appropriate) and grind on Leves. For people like me the Grind IS the game (masochist that I am). It's more about the Adventure rather than the Destination although the destination is still important too, it's nice to take my time and alter my path as newer content gets added.

Hardcores (for the most part) seem to not care one iota for Wall-O-Text sidequests, Leves and non-voiced CutScenes. They just want to get to the (current) Endgame as soon as possible to do Raids/Dungeons/NM's/Strongholds with their friends/LS's.

I think it is a tough balancing act but they are pulling it off so far (the debate over whether this is a good strategy or not is moot because this has always been their goal). I am certain however, that they will continuously tweak the exp rates for both Casuals & Hardcores...that is a given in MMO's.

However, I think the one valid argument against fast-leveling is that is does hurt the Crafters in their the low-mid levels and the overall low-mid level economy.

But as usual I have a possible (crappy) solution...

Have gear that is 10 levels too low for your character be completely broken to the point that you cannot gain any exp until you upgrade your armor (no naked leveling either). Sure, peeps may just buy NPC gear but some will shop at the Markets. It should also add more Materia into the economy.

Also, perhaps make it where you must complete certain Class Missions/Quests in order to advance in level. I personally have no problem with Fast-Leveling but throwing in a few mandatory roadblocks wouldn't hurt either.