If FFXVII is a new online game... would you move inmediately?

[Lauront]

Where's the fun in walking in the shoes of some inconsequential grunt?

Didn't say an inconsequential grunt. Just not a character with such a defined identity, limiting my own ability to shape the character. I don't find much fun in playing someone else's idea of a character.

Beyond that, some people play MMOs for the fact that they can RP out going on adventures with their friends (in a similar fashion to D&D etc.), without being the centre of attention in every major plot, so I can't really agree with the point underlying your question. There isn't one singular form of fun when it comes to MMOs or RPGs.