Exactly right.  IMO, this actually began with Chrono Trigger.  Now before I get flamed...

Chrono Trigger was a great game.  But you can see from the gameplay mechanics and the focus on the story that the games were starting to move in a different direction.  Only 3 characters in your party.  Very few spells.  Characters without special abilities (like steal, kick, tools, etc.).  The difference between CT and the later FF games is that CT was still interesting and challenging enough in the gameplay, and did a fantastic job of presenting the story without it getting in the way.  CT kept you an active participant in the story rather than an outside observer. 

CT may have had fewer skills but the character abilities felt more useful and personal to the gameplay vs. the newer FF's where they may start each character offwith a few unique skills then go wild and let everyone do everything.

My favorites are 4,6, 7, 9, 10 and 12....So I guess I'm split

FFVI WAS THE BEST! Hands down!

everything from the opera to terra's theme music!

Then I must say FF8 I liked a lot....

so I enjoy both....

I don't really care about where the game is technologically, I just prefer the 2D painted sprites to the 3D games.

The problem I have with the new look FFs is that they have far less atmosphere and character, VIII and X in particular. I thought VII and IX had those in abundance.

I'm not a fan of the art design either, I just don't understand the trend for androgynous looking main characters. I particularly disliked the boy band-esque Tidus.

I've just started XII and even though it has its flaws it seems pretty good, although the screenshots from XIII haven't really impressed me with their style.