My two cents:

In many FFs (pre-FFX), it can be about strategy, but if you really want to have a go at it, put the game in active mode and increase the battle speed to max. Also, don't grind. Some of the games you can't help but grind, but if you can help it, just go through the game as it should be.

Second, I enjoy FFXIV's battle system now. Now don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the original battle system as well. I was even afraid that when they announced auto-attack, it would be like FFXI all over again and be slow. I was the one in parties who often spaced out due to the pacing of combat.

I was dead wrong. It is much faster paced and much more fluid than FFXI's battle game play. I have to actually keep an eye on the mobs I am facing, otherwise I'd be dead. I also have to keep everything up and make sure to use my skills as often as I can.

All in all, yes it can be improved, but I'm happy with the change. I can't wait until 1.20 too.

I feel like there should an easy option to toggle auto-attack on and off to suit these players...