I never thought it was going to be multiple 2 hour games. I figured it was Xenosaga, you know that giant Japanese rpg that was released at full price in multiple episodes.
Development costs have skyrocketed since the ps1. I get why FFVII is multiple episodes. I don't see it as an issue. And again, I don't get the sensitivity around calling it what it is. FFVII is a single story, with multiple pieces.