I think they put so much effort into saving the game (and the franchise) that they kind of got stuck into that mentality. Be it willingly or forced by SE to "stay on the safe side", this attitude and mindset cannot work in the long run.

XIV wasn't released last year, the game is FIVE years old.

We have had 2 expansions and really basic elements of modern MMORPGs come up as "difficult to implement", "restricted by limitations" or flat out being dismissed. At the same time, we see the dev team waste resources and time on frivolous things while ignoring basic requests like diversification of jobs and roles, combat mechanics, updates to the engine so it can support better textures and AA, and so on.
They wait for an expansion release to drop significant updates for core elements: why? I'm sure it takes time but things like this need to be prioritized. The ridiculous restrictions put on players by capping stuff is really out of place as well.

I love XIV and what they've done with it considering its beginning, but this isn't 2013 anymore. Move forward, take risks, change.

I honestly believe they're already working on the next FF MMO at this point.