The only reason ARR unlocked it right away, is because the ARR zones weren't designed with aether currents. It was easier to just have it unlock with the MSQ, than to add aether currents to 16 zones.
Pathfinder jokes aside (really, compared to that system, the XIV one is a godsend), is it really too much to ask to do 4 quests (clearly labeled with a blue + icon) and using the Aether Compass every now and then while going through the initial MSQ?