You can't realistically expect MMO characters in the Vanilla storyline to be fleshed out yet -- also no I don't find them boring because we haven't begun to tap into the overall story yet.

Play FFXI, compare Vanilla Storyline (Rank 1-6), to Zilart (continuation of Ranks, Zilartian storyline including world leaders you started to learn about in Ranks) to CoP, ToAU, WoTG ..the same characters you learned about in 2001/2002 get flesh out in the "past" (WoTG) and "future" (every expansion there's at least a quest or storyline involvement of key players from the nations.)