I'm very confused at you stating that FFXIV has "dark souls" like gameplay because it doesn't, like at all. I'm going to assume that by referring to it as "dark souls style" you are meaning combat that doesn't have an easy mode and that if you want to master you have to engage with on some level.

The base 2.50 GCD roll over is quite slow and very forgiving of mistakes, jobs have never been simpler and the only difference in combat is that aoes are a little quicker but at its core FFXIV combat has absoutley 0 soulsborne DNA and is a dance that if you learn, practise and remember enough becomes muscle memory. You just need to put in a tiny amount of effort and die a few times.

Quitting because of Beastmaster isn't just odd its plain stupid. Why would you quit because we are getting MORE content. Make it make sense.

There are many things want with occult creasent but the leveling isn't one of them. Its basic progression system. Do you know why every RPG ever has had a leveling system where you gain more power as you progress? Because its simple, understandable and rewarding. SE doesn't need to reinvent the wheel here just for you. Once again very odd.

As for your FC maybe the moved DC's? Maybe they found a more active DC because people like you left? May they are also on a break?

Overall sir FF11 is right there. Go play it. This isn't an airport no need to announce your departure.