Make it so the Current Expac MSQ doesn't level you

[Malthir]

So the real issue isn't even about MSQ leveling the player, but rather the boring slog of absolute nothingness the DT MSQ turned out to be.

Which, yes, you would be correct. However, I don't think lowering exp and telling people to do side content is the answer. Why should anyone have any faith in the side quests when the main story was so sloppily written? Can we really expect anything better from the side quests?

No the real issue is an over dependence on MSQ for content, DT has highlighted this. EW was the same, however it was good so people forgave it, then the post patch got crucified by the players. Same design philosophy but as soon as the MSQ doesn't resonate with players the game shit out of luck and since you must complete all MSQ's to progress the more you risk creating massive barriers to entry when the MSQ is big and doesn't slap.

ARR storyline was kinda meh, not bad but nothing to write home about. it was the world building through the myriad of side content that made the game (With the exception being AV runs to hit 50, whoever brought up, screw you getting flashbacks ) Every dungeon having it's own story, progressing through areas doing side stories not tied to an overarching MSQ. You never were at a point where you were doing side content thinking, I really should be doing the MSQ right now I've got to get through all that. It was drip fed to you alongside the gameplay you were enjoying as opposed to dumped on top of you. I think Job quests also existing was a factor, I miss them role quest suck by comparison.