... If current efforts with Ishgardian wards and other plots don't solve the problem of housing, would it be possible to simply allow players, for a fixed (if high) amount of gil to buy a personally instanced house that is not in an active ward, but in a solo setting of the player's choice? If the current model of housing is not functioning for the community, especially in the hardlocked servers that we have in this game, this would probably solve the problem.

I know I, for one, would love a plot in a neighborhood. On the other hand, I'd almost prefer my own instance where I could set my own setting, upgrade my plot and house size if I have enough gil, and have a bit more freedom with what I do. I'd probably prefer the latter over the former, given both options. I have no problem grinding gil if I knew what I was grinding it towards.

I understand there may be storage issues. I'd be willing to tack a dollar or two onto my sub for that ability.