The MSQ defeated me

[Theodric]

It's pretty on par with other JRPGs, especially Final Fantasy games.
But FFXIV's story-oriented approach to MMO is it's uniqueness and it's strength.

I disagree. There's by far more combat in the average JRPG than what FFXIV has on offer. In the most recent patch the only mandatory combat takes place in the dungeon itself. Whereas if I fire up, say, the FFVII remake there's a much healthier balance of combat and story to be found.