why not let player rise to the challange

[JunseiKei]

Even non-MMOs like MOBAs and Overwatch, produce their games with the intent you will be playing their game 100% of your playtime.

And when you take a break from the game, whether forced or by choice, you really feel how you've been left behind. This sometimes leaves players feeling they simply won't ever catch up. So they leave completely.

Personally, I'm glad FFXIV follows this more laid back model. I can play other things, invest in other hobbies, work and still keep up with the game easily. Not to mention because of its laid back nature, I was able to convince friends that pretty much never touch MMOs, because of their commitments, to play.

"Dumbing down" is a perspective. For people that are more dexterous or simply have better hand-eye coordination, they might have little to no trouble completing tasks. People that have a hard time memorizing patterns or have slower reaction speeds might already find something that others might considering boring a challenge. While this entry in the series of Final Fantasy may be MMO, because of the series name it holds, it has drawn first-time MMO players to the field. The skill sets will not be the same.