I want to say that while I absolutely adore what I've experienced of Final Fantasy 11 and I'm excited to return to Vana'diel with it's upcoming free login campaign... I don't think players will take as kindly if FFXIV became FFXI 2.0. While it's anecdotal, people in my friend group have tried FFXI in the past and couldn't get into it. Many of my friends are also young blood that joined in SHB/EW that would simply not enjoy a FFXI-style game. It's a shame, really. I feel it's more important for FFXIV to forge it's own identity rather than to copy the past (WoW or FF11) or mobile RPGs. It can take elements and repurpose them, but it should not be a carbon copy.

What happened to your FC is a shame, but many people do move on to other FCs after a while. I've personally made the move to another FC. Considering your FC company disbanded, your ex-FC mates probably moved on. It could be because of Dawntrail or because drama ensued (with the amount of nightmare FC stories I've heard, it's possible).

Do feel free to update us with how your journey goes . It's not all bad, I still feel there's some fun to be had with the new content including the raids, but it'll vary from person to person.