The turn-based gameplay is a relic and needs to go. This is the only reason, in my humble opinion, why JRPGs lag compared to WRPGs.
Secret of Mana and Chrono Trigger, a couple of my faves along with Final Fantasy 6 and Earthbound, were real-time and super awesome. Final Fantasy 6 and Earthbound had such love put into the story and backstory, one was never concerned or fixated on the turn-based aspect.
As for the character stereotypes, each culture has them and they are enlightening and fun to poke fun of when they become overly redundant. For instance, in WRPGs how come every protagonist seems to be some muscle-bound reject anti-hero? How come the women are dressed in their lingerie for their day clothes? Seriously, it can go both ways.
Yep, once JRPGs transition into real-time gameplay, then you will see them back up again.
