Just had the most fascinating conversation with a GM

[CazzT]

The servers were just hit by DDoS which explains the queue, we unfortunately get hit by these usually when they do a big ban wave which is comically sad when you think about it People make bots, SE bans bots, bot owner gets annoyed causing DDoS, SE tries making new anti DDoS maneuver rinse repeat.

Before you even think about typing "just get better preventive measures" YOU DO IT, because you cannot prevent everything it is impossible DDoS will always be a thing, bots will always be a thing, so long as someone finds a way to cheat a system people will take the path of least resistance. The best you could hope for is increase the Bi-weekly bannings to weekly at this stage

I work for an ISP. We have layer upon layer of DDOS prevention for our commercial customers, which our residential customers benefit from as well. That's just our line of defense and doesn't take into account the business' end of prevention.
There is no excuse for a company as large as SquareEnix to not have enough prevention measures in place that players will not be impacted. You know how hard it is to DDOS WoW? It's next to impossible now because they've put in so many layers. SquareEnix can easily afford to put more layers in place. The only excuse not to is sheer foolishness.

Proof of what OP is talking about, from Reddit. Please beware of foul language.

https://clips.twitch.tv/FitAlertDelicataPrimeMe

This is 100% a problem. OP may sound dramatic but this is preventing new people from enjoying the game sadly.

This should be high on SE's radar when paying customers can't to basic quests and game functions because of Bots.

This sort of thing leads to investors being scared to invest. Because they're smart enough to know this leads to a game people don't play if the problem is not addressed.