This game is going to be awesome.
You guys are not looking at the big picture here. Even if there were no leveling up do you really think the developers will not come up with some type of alternitive? Just look at what they have done so far
FF7 with the Materia System.
FF8 with the Junction System.
FF9 with the with the abilitys and magic in your equipment (they might that for FF13 to replace grinding for leveling up you character).
FF10 with the Sphere Grid System
FF12 with the Gambit System.








