I think FFXII had a more Western style and the dialogue was much better than in 13. The combat was also much more strategic rather than action-based which I really liked, after I understood it. Actually, after playing Dragon Age, I noticed that they were somewhat similar. I didn't mind FFXIII's approach either, however. Except for the bad writing, I had fun, linear or not, though I think the cheesiness turned off as many people as FFXII's gameplay did.
My answer is that I think there is room for both styles. In fact, they should just have 2 teams all the time and release one game every 2 years or so by alternating, having one team work on a game with a more mature story and Western bent, and the other on one that satisfies more Japanese preferences with younger characters and typical Japanese character archetypes.
Currently playing: Gran Turismo 5
Just finished: Infamous 2
