I agree and yet disagree. From what I heard, after 1.21 there will be another player poll, so we can pretty much throw our say into more innovative side-quests. I do enjoy the side-quests for the lore, but that's what they have going for them. And I particularly don't mind that, as long as these guys are on track to something great (i.e. 2.0)

Now... FFXI... I really, really tried to love them. Back when I did play, I did love them. Then I played again, then thought about how agonizing many of the quests were in regards to traveling, drop rates, and just all out avoiding aggro from level 75 mobs. I spent a good amount of time dying, and dying was not fun in that game. Not in the least, especially when you have to travel far back to the location, even with a home point.

I remember spending quite literally five hours for that stupid sub job side quest. And five hours for that Kazham key quest. Nada but frustration. However, I did get a sense of achievement. I just didn't ever want to do them again.