I played EQ for 3 years. It's the only MMO game I've been able to stick with too. DAOC didnt have the content, AC2 wasn't captivating to me, and PlanetSide didnt have enough more than most FPS's for the monthly fee.
I also haven't enjoyed an FF game since the 3rd one. I played thru half of the 5th one with an emulator, it was fun. I haven't liked FF7 or anything after it

I really dont enjoy the combat. fighting in windows etc, i get tired of it fast.
Is FF online similar in the way it's played? (window based) or is it more action based (zelda) etc? Is it similar to EQ? What's unique about it versus other MMO games out there?