Firstly, I understand and appreciate the desire to allow new players to experience the game and it's story as intended. The intent here is good. I think there is just a better way of implementing this same feature without the massive draw backs for returning players, or new players who don't wish to see the videos. More on that later...

I just got out of The Praetorium with a friend of mine and have a few observations about the way cut scenes work now. The draw backs were pretty clear... An instance that used to take 10 minutes to complete now takes an hour of sitting on my hands and watching something else that isn't the game, since I'm a seasoned player who's been doing this instance from the start. This is troubling... Since I'd like to be be engaged in FFXIV while I'm logged in as much as possible.
(c)