ARR story can't be judged as the whole piece, imo. It has very different components. 2.0 story wasn't the best and was full of mindless, boring quests designed just to waste your time or give you enough exp to level (the corrupted crystal storyline is one of the examples). I've been playing since 2013, and I remember quite well that I wasn't fond of the story, but I liked the world, characters, and PvE, so I stayed. 2.1 was horrible (does anyone remember repairing Minfilia's earring or gathering tea leaves in Coerthas?). 2.2 got somewhat better, and since about the middle of 2.3, the story improved greatly. It became coherent and engaging; the pacing was good with the pinnacle, which was the Bloody Banquet.
It's a pity SE removed one of my favourite dialogues in the game, though.
(ARR spoilers)
(when WoL is looking for the merchant stirring people up in Ul'dah)
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