MMORPGs appeal to a certain type of gamer. Some people find leveling up day after day just to get cooler armor is worth it...I'm one of them, unfortunately.
Don't expect a huge story like in single-player Final Fantasy games, because there's not one.
The only MMORPG that I can say is story and quest driven 100% is World of Warcraft, and it might not even come out this year. There is no leveling up in that game unless it's through a quest. The quests are fun and innovative as well. Other than that, most other MMORPGs are leveling-fests, and ya definitely have to have the patience to play them. I love MMORPGs, but I agree that some are simply boring if all there is to do is level up and do a few quests.
-Lasereth