Did I get expired from Novice Network?

[Canadane]

False. I got mine removed after HW and my play time was well below 168hrs

I've taken mutiple characters to Ishgard for the laughs. Every time I finish ARR it puts a message on my screen, stating that I've advanced far enough into the game where I don't need to be considered a novice anymore, and removed the sprout.

This will happen to 99% of players, the other 1% somehow broke the system and kept their sprout.

They have changed the way it works a few patches back.
It's absolutely possible to be farming Zurvan Ex as a novice just because you did it in under 168 hours.