I really don't understand why some people say the story is really bad. I like the story so far. Yes, there are some quests that are used as "fillers", but overall it is pretty good.

Remember that FFXI nation quests were not that awesome to begin with. I mean ... kill Orcish Fodders until you get an axe or go to Kings Tomb to get something from bats (both San dÓria missions) were not that great also .....

Look at what FFXI turned into at a later stage. Who can forget the first fight with the Shadow Lord? The AA fight? Diabolos fight or the insane CoP missions? It is not like all that content was there at release date .... The core of FFXIV is really nice so I expect it to be as good as FFXI, if not better .... just give it time.