To the OP: I saw a few things I liked in your ideas. In particular, I like the idea of having leves issued from the appropriate guild. Maybe not all of them, but definitely some that apply to the guild, and possibly always award the respective guild marks. I also believe that the side stories for each guild should be greatly expanded and begin much earlier. No later than 10, for sure. These side stories should be at least on par with the main story. Something a la Elder Scrolls guilds would be nice.

I'm not too keen on the idea of removing sp, yet I can understand purchasing all your class skills from the guild, but only if some form of non-anima travel is introduced. In fact, anything that is found solely in one city and has a high degree of dependance on should only exist after non-anima travel is implemented. But that's a completely different topic.

On the issue of feeling disconnected from your character, I had a similar problem during beta. Being a former Galka, I expected to exist as a Roegadyn in Eorzea, but no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't build a character that I was connected to. That is, not until I created my Lalafell. I have more connection to my little guy than any of the Roegadyn I crafted. It was a hard decision to make the permanent change, but it was the right one for me. Even though I tend to get bored with the lack of content, I can't imagine NOT playing my Lalafell.