I agree especially with point 3.

I love the look of the new zones, especially Il Mheg. But once you have overcome the beautiful landscapes itself you start to notice how empty they are. I already posted this about Stormblood, that some small animals or NPCs that are doing stuff there without being fates would work wonders. Underwater is always a place where I dont really go much outside from fishing because it looks so lifeless. Just put some of the fishes there in swarms and it makes it look much more alive.

I also agree with your slum picture. Everything still looks way too clean. Also a lot of NPC there (or in the villages around) look way too clean and have way to good clothes for them being pure and suffering. You even have a Viera there in short trousers that looks like they could go to the beach at any moments. It does take away a bit of the immersion.

So I really hope that they do learn and add some more life in those. Heck make them a bit smaller but more filled with life and you have more reason to walk through and experience it.