I agree strongly that there is a distinction between the concepts that made up FFXI pre-Abys and post-Abys. I personally prefer pre-Abys FFXI.

Along that vein I'd like to see things like Mr. Quantum just mentioned. Prishe and Tenzen were some of my favorite characters. I was honestly sad when I finished CoP going back to Tavnazia Safehold remembering all the crazy cutscenes and the like.

It's important to understand the topic the OP brings up because it NULLIFIES the sheeple manta "Hurpdurp u like XI then go play XI durpyhurp"

The game we loved no longer exists.

We need something new.