While I do believe that instanced content is the way to go in terms of gear/etc. Open world content should have a strong standing in the game as well, I agree. It was one of the things that helped XI feel so vibrant.

Also, I would personally like to see some instances where you can just waltz in with no prereqs/timers/party limits/etc. Make it feel like it's part of the world, but allow us to farm gear/items/etc in there without someone else camping that location. Nothing major either, just a few dungeons here and there. I don't have anything against instancing, just the way it's handled in this game is pretty dull.

Ramblings aside, I agree with the OP. Open world content should exist, and the game should not be an instancefest like Guild Wars is.