The developers really seem to think the game isn't an MMO for some reason.
This is an MMO.
It isnt. Never has been.

Its a JRPG first, an MMO second.

Beast tribes are literally just a set of chores to do every day.
Lets just ignore the story content that goes with them shall we?

Manderville weapons are good for those who don't have ilv 630 weapons yet, but to get them it's literally just a tomestone grind.
You just described every relic weapon..whats your point?

This is an MMO. We're meant to be playing it a lot and thus paying the subscription fee a lot
Thats WOW. Not FF 14. Wrong mentality.

The only reason Yoshi P said that you should take breaks when at risk of burning out was because if you do burn out, you're probably going to quit forever.
Hard disagree.

but I can't see this lasting another 2 months.
Hard disagree.

There shouldn't be large periods of time where there's no reason to play the game if I want to
Why not? Whats the hurry, whats the rush, whats the need to log in every day? Go play other games. The game will still be here, theres no FOMO to lose sleep over...

I dont see an issue here.