Might be a loading issue, cause Id imagine youd still see the occassional person talking to the NPC still yet I dont see anything.

That being said, yeah, the Gold Saucer thing might affect it. Also, while not a huge thing (and maybe it makes a difference,) maybe you should do the "Coming to Ishgard" quest. Maybe if you havent been into ishgard itll block you. Dunno, just try a few things and see what happens.