Great post, OP! I am really looking forward to 2.0, but I have similar concerns.

Sure, I love getting in a full group and doing stuff 1-2 nights a week. But honestly, really difficult battles (I'll admit it, I am not a highly skilled player; I know I'm not the only one out there!) are not the highlight of my gaming experience but rather something I find fun in limited amounts.

And thanks to my classes a lot of my playtime is off-peak hours, when I am subject to interruptions, so I want something to do by myself besides level yet another battle class or grind crafting/gathering. If you can't so much as tie your shoes in 2.0 without a well-coordinated group of 8, no amount of Miqo'te cuteness will be able to keep me playing!

Quote Originally Posted by Azurymber View Post

Step 2: Separate solo from group

All individuals should be able to play and enjoy the game without ever doing end-game or group content.

Why? Because it will prevent people who suddenly get busy with school or work from quitting, and increase the amount of people who play and pay.
I especially liked this part.