I disagree... With all of this. I played FFXI essentially the same way you did, and I find it the best thing about FFXIV is that I can play by myself when I want, or join a party when I want. I am sure they will introduce more incentives to party up, but the fact that I don't NEED to to achieve something in a day is what makes XIV so appealing to me. In XI there was nothing to do unless you grouped up and I hated that. If you want a game that will kick your ass and force you to party at ever turn, go back to XI, since it still exists. The existence of this game doesn't mean you HAVE to give up XI.