Wind & Water, Metal & Wood

I've been thinking about quitting FFXI. The only thing that is keeping me from actually doing it is the friends I've made in the game. The game itself is going in a direction I dislike. Most of the new 'features' Square-Enix added to the game are features I don't care about or outright hate. ( Examples )

Add my disappointment with FFXIII, and I find myself doubting if I even want to stick around for FFXIV! That's with the promise of Nobou Uematsu composing the game music too. I may swear off the Final Fantasy series for good at this rate since my free time is precious. Can't say the same for a virtual item that may take 3+ years to get.