I've actually always wondered about the absence of the Codex as well xD I'm not so sure about actually being able to fight the monsters, but having a list that you could consult would be interesting.

More than anything else, really, I completely agree with you on the maps. Just like XI worked, you could have the main cities mapped out already, maybe the beginning areas included, for free. Then mid-high areas available for purchase, and endgame/very high level areas would either have to be drawn or maps only available through quests.