Heres the thing, ffxiv 2.x series doesnt end with ultima, this is the end of 2.0, heavensward is the continuation of the 2.x series, ending in Before the dawn, patch 2.55, then you go to ishgard, as the series 3.x ended now, in 3.56 not with thordan.
But then, i think the problem is a) youre not enjoying the history or b) youre not a ff fan, wich its a big problem with this community, people dont understand this is not wow ; (in every ff) history is a big part of the game, even this being a mmo.
I would sugest to enjoy, dont need to rush, its a great game, you are not missing too much, the endgame isnt the best thing.
And pls, this is not, wont be, and never was wow, if it were more like it people would complain its a copy, so if u like wow more, you should play wow, honestly, this wont be a good game for you.