I've only just started my FF journey and I'm really enjoying the story. I've been deviating away from the MSQ as I keep seeing all these quests and I'm the type to say "better do that one" and then doing every fate I come across even if it does mean using the level sync.
I'm having an absolute blast, and I can honestly say that I've come across extremely friendly and helpful players (even when I'm making an absolute mess of things).
I have finally got my first Chocobo and now my next thing to get will be flying, but that will come along soon enough.
Thanks to everyone for helping me out when I've asked questions or asking the wrong person stuff.