I use to play FFXI, started playing in 05 and clocked just over 400 earth days. I stopped playing just after the level cap got raised to 85. The game lost its appeal to me probably from to many hours spent.
Also the leveling system changed, the level sync was a great idea but it also enabled people to level without learning how to really play although this was amusing watching people do the most retarded stuff when I did events outside of my linkshell. Back when it was the grind to 75 and you sat with your flag up for hours waiting for a exp pt, then you finally got the invite or put one together you were so happy that you didn't wanna leave and would pt all night if you could. And you would really fine tuned your playing skills.
Saying this though I have some awesome memories from this game and being from Australia I made some real life friends from the US, Canada, Italy and Japan that I still talk to today. I don't regret the time I spent playing though I do laugh from memories such as flying down the freeway to get back home from work to log on...







