I started in 1.0, albeit quite hesitant but I had faith because I was a long standing member of the FFXI community.
Safe to say I was disappointed in the end and simply quit. I gave up on the chances of character recreation and legacy because it didn't matter enough to me.
When I heard about ARR and the overhaul on the game and the eventual re-release of FFXIV: A Realm Reborn I was immediately overwhelmed with excitement.
Now, just a few days into playing I'm already, shall we say finding myself wanting. Maybe its the lack of challenge or the gross punishment I would experience in FFXI that made the game so addicting that has brought out this feeling. I've already gotten my PUG and GLA to 15 and both were extremely tedious and mind-numbingly similar, monotonous button crushing, little to no strategy. Grouping remains the same, lackluster and un-inspired.
Maybe the game is too easy? Too WoW-esque (which was just an awful experience for me because I flew through the game in just a few months). I was happy that the game was entering a more "casual" pipeline for players seeking both challenge and ease of play as well. I run a small internet marketing firm so I only have so much time to relinquish to FFXIV and even then (as a casual gamer) I'm finding the game already to be, too casual maybe.
Just looking to see if other people are experiencing similar feelings. Hardcore FFXI players probably feel my pain and FFXI also took an absolute leap from the cliff of "excellent gaming experiences" to the all too common {Too Weak} reference.
I don't know. A month free to make a full decision but my fear is that FFXIV is doomed to fit into the {Too Weak} category.