When FFXIV came out, it failed hard. To make it worse, it was a numbered Final Fantasy to boot. Even if 2.0 turns out to be really good, the first years of pre-2.0 will always be remembered to FF fans and online gamers alike. It's not something SE can wish away.

I'm willing to bet that sometime in the future, someone will ask: "You remember about FFXIV?"

Chances are that they'll respond: "Oh, that one was the worst in the series, right?"

This game has a long way to go. I just pray they get it right with 2.0 and onwards.