Didn't come here intending to bash the game, but my point is I just want to play for the story....but the way the game progresses, I'm left bewildered and wondering---what in the hell do I do next to make the story go forward, ffs??? Or is there an actual finished story in this game at all?

Someone please tell me what to do next!
I agree that the game could give you a better idea of what to do next. That's something the development team is working to improve for new players. But I started my character several months ago, so I'm not sure how -- or even whether -- it's improved.

There is a main storyline quest, and there is line of quests for each job. New storyline quests, job quests, and leves become available as you level up. So you have to level up to open new chapters in the tale. Here's a post from the developers listing the levels at which you'll get new quests of each type. (Link in text. Scroll down to "Why is leveling classes important?")

When a new main storyline quest becomes available, your NPC Linkshell -- a little circle on the top right of your screen -- will start flashing. Open your main menu, click on "NPC Linkpearl," and you'll get instructions on what to do next.

For your class quests, you'll need to hit the appropriate level, then go to the class guildhall and speak with an NPC there. So, for example, when you hit level 20 Gladiator, you can go to the Gladiator's guildhall in Uldah and speak with an NPC there. They'll give you a quest.