Yes, definitely not like your other FF games. You will see the staple things like Summons, Chocobos, Moogles, Cid, but it's not your regular FF.
LVLing IS repetetive! I mean for the love of all that is holy...if we are gonna fight crabs again at least make them another color or give them markings. I hate to lvl, but I do cause the higher I am, the more I can help others with what I learn.
The armor...well the armor also suffers from look-a-lities. Same Tunic, different stats. Only a few armor looks different enough (Thankfully I have my I.M. armor that makes me look sweet pimpin'). Though some of it is for show, you will be striving to get your Artifact Armor which is known mostly as AF for your job.
Many areas, quests, missions. Of course to access some you need fame and to be higher lvl as the missions get harder. Personally I like exploring, as new areas appear, I just like going and check it out.
The main thing about FFXI is community. You will find all types on here. The addicts like me, the regulars, and the only get on weekend. You have your linkshells which are like a community. We help you out with advice or what have you. Later with missions we can also help there. Both Mr. Anderson & Crash are in my LS. Of course they are regulars. They get on from time to time, but you see them more on CAG and playing other games than me.
It might be sometime before we do another naked race Legion, but I'll make sure. I'm glad /recast has helped you. It's what makes me do the best as a PLD knowing when all my tricks are ready to be used again.
AMC some hate it, some love it, some are indifferent. Not like I say go rent it. If by any chance you have a friend with it ask to make a quick character. He will only get charged a dollar extra (just pay that ya know). Try it out when he isn't playing. If you like it, get it. If not, at least you experienced it. That's all I can say about that pretty much