Quote Originally Posted by Sephrick View Post
I could understand a longer experience if it was done through storylines and epic quests.

{SNIP}

Darkhold is a good example. It'd be a great place to level from 45-50 if there was no time limit and we were encouraged to explore it. Then the leveling curve could be a hell of a lot longer because the player wouldn't be focused on leveling. They'd be playing the game while getting exp in the process.
The first and last paragraphs of this post are where I find the most insight.

Why isn't the leveling process done this way? Why is it mindless grinding? Why are all instanced dungeons timed when they were meant to be one of the new leveling options? People can't feel free to explore or kill all the monsters (trash) if they're pressed for time, thus, it isn't really a viable leveling option.

This isn't the first time I've brought up this quote, but I can't help but citing its relevance:

We still have some ways to go, but FINAL FANTASY XIV will gradually shift from being a grind-centric game to one that offers enjoyment for all playing styles and circumstances with its ever-expanding variety of content.
When will we see this new mission statement come to fruition? 2.0?