I actually do like the anima thing so far. I'm not end game yet so I can't really give a fair opinion. But with how I see map layouts, and the amount of end game content, I really can't expect people to go through anima quickly unless they're completely abusing it. Not to mention you can favorite locations to make them cost even less.

I'm kind of neutral on it as well though. AION's way of doing it was very casualized, and it worked. You paid "gil/kinah/gold". Could teleport from each major city, to any major city. And then there were way-points on every map where you could be "flown" to from a giant sparkling bird, for again, "gold".

I'm sure they're saving the major change for 2.0 but I have noticed through only light browsing that this is a big debate issue among the playerbase. I personally support any change as, in its' current state, it's enough for me.

As an FFXI vet I feel this game is very casualized in the sense of travel, though. (At least when I played)