Yes, ffxiv is in a discounted state at $9.99. At full price, it's $12.99, so still cheaper than it's competitors. You can't play all the jobs in other games on one character, thus hte need for multiple characters per account. FFXI/V doesn't have that issue. And why would you want to play another character that didn't have your rare/ex items, other jobs leveled, your choco quest done, etc?

If it's really that big of a deal, go play one of those other games that are "cheaper". I think we'll manage without you, somehow.