I agree with the group aspect, I am sorry to those who love to solo, but thats what console games are for. non online adventure. FFXIV should be group based. Story wise i remember going WTF when i had 3 dungeons back to back. I also found that you can group / duo most of the story, and its much smoother. also you definitely cant solo the dungeons they want you to go through. in regards to FATES i believe your seeing them during a high population, I think they will become more of 5 man group events when people spread accross the level ranges and get involved in other things beside leveling.

A good portion of game mechanics are hard to judge right now due to the sheer number of players being thrown at them. I think SE did a good job, that is not to say a perfect job. I am an EQ fan who would prefer the term "Solo" to mean im crafting because EQ was 80% group 20% solo. I wouldn't mind being put in spots where solo is not an option