I started playing FFXIV when HW was announced to play with friends at endgame and honestly could not get through ARR, I could handle getting up to ultimate weapon but that 100 guest slog before HW is what killed any desire I had to push forward. Story and job options are the only reason I am playing. It is not that I do not enjoy the story but I enjoy playing with my friends and the MSQ largely prevents that. I am glad I can go back and do the story at my own pace while still being able to do relevant content with my friends.