Fair enough, there we have it, the game is, as stated, merely about that: gear, quests, monsters. And all in all, you're fine with it, I'm not. That's all I was basically looking for, to see what it was you enjoyed about the game. It's interesting to know what people with an opinion that differs from my own thinks about certain games.
I don't think it needs to be really discussed anymore because it all boils down to taste of game style. You're fine with the mission-based system, I would've preferred more exploring and free-roaming. But you actually did make a incredibly valid statement regarding the (his)story of the monsters. That was actually stupid of me.
Now back to the topic at hand: Final Fantasy XI. Boy, do you have any idea how lucky you must've been? I have NEVER had anyone mention any Valkurm Emperor to me. I've NEVER been skill-chaining. And I think all that is because I'm playing this game 7 years after its release. I'm almost always the only one who lacks a subjob and is ranked below 5. These guys just want to level so they can do endgame stuff. They have their Linkshells and their friends, they don't need to be friends with me at all. I'm there to be their tank, and once the party disbands, I won't talk to them again, or something to that extent.
See where I'm getting at? In the current state, anyone who would want to start playing would feel less excited about the game since it would be 1 newbie in 10 000 endgamers. For someone who isn't familiar with the game will easily find him or herself killed by mobs, who will realize the tediousness of constant Healing and the loneliness that comes with 1-10. Sure, at first there's a level of excitement but the place is overwhelming and there's no actual guiding of the place. There is a reason why many players stop playing before their free 30 days are over, y'know.