Rev Jake,
I agree with you that the frequency of FATEs should be increased. It is not fun to run across the entire map, only to get there as the FATE is ending, 1-2 minutes after it began. I think there should be 3 times as many FATES with 5 times as many mobs. Most importantly, I think they should last a lot longer.

The only other thing I don't understand about your post is this "participate in other content" bit. We are doing FATES to level because the amount of quests aren't enough to level one character to 50, let alone 8, so this is not an option for anyone. Also, you say doing FATEs isn't fun. I disagree. It is a race to see who will get there first and who will be quick enough to do enough damage to get credit. Okay, who am I kidding, they aren't really fun. I have a lot more fun doing them at odd hours when I can leisurely walk up to a FATE with my trusty chocobo and complete it with 5-10 other players, not 50.