Are they really adding cross-data center visit?

[Jojoya]

What is the purpose?

To let players play with all their friends, not just friends on the same data center.

Only you know why you spent $18 on a transfer. The game is the same on all data centers. The only advantage to being on Aether is there are more groups listed in PF that can potentially carry you. If you don't need to be carried, you could have found a static on Crystal. They do exist and do clear content regularly, they're just fewer in number because Crystal has fewer players who care about high end raiding.

Why do you think data center travel is a problem?