With regard to character creation restrictions; I can't specifically remember for Balmung, but I know that on Behemoth - which is regularly restricted for character creation - SE seems to cycle through the servers on an almost weekly basis, flipping them from restricted to open and then back again. Normally that restriction is based on the zone population in the starting zones (if I remember correctly from their explanations way, way back at the start of ARR). Sometimes you can be fortunate to get on in the wee small house if the lockout is done by the server based on load. But when they specifically announce a server is character creation restricted, it won't open on it's own like that. You need to wait for the restriction to be lifted.

Transfers are a different kettle of fish though.