One thing I would suggest, that I haven't seen put up yet is that if your linkshell is dead try to find another one. There are recruitment threads for each server on pretty much every FFXIV forum including this one. Shout in populated areas like Ul'dah that you're looking for an LS and you may very well get an invite right there. I've found having a good LS is almost necessary in this game. I know if I wasn't with my LS I'd have a much harder time playing FFXIV.