MSQ

[Stepjam]

Source: me

If they had the resources to make stuff like fêtes or fellowships for patches, I'm sure they could figure out a way to make MSQ optional for a new expac.

They don't WANT to make it optional though. This is the key point.

MSQ is integral to the FFXIV experience. They could make it optional, but they don't want to because it's half the point. So saying "If you don't care about story, play a different MMO" is fair.

It would be like playing Last of Us and wishing that it could be more like Gears of War, more focused on gameplay over story.
The solution then is don't ask a game to change it's identity, just go play something more in line with what you care about. There are tons of MMOs that are story lite out there.