I think this is a matter of a misunderstanding because nobody is trying to force anybody to adhere to the developer's view of the setting or the way in which the setting has been established. If people wish to go off and do their own thing then that's fine - but it's their burden and they should at least admit that they're the ones taking liberties with the lore instead of implying that those of us who adhere to the setting as it's intended to be seen are somehow in the wrong for doing so.
On a side note, I may be mistaken but you've yet to complete the MSQ's for Heavensward, correct? I won't spoil anything specific but the tone and general atmosphere of the expansion is even darker than the 2.0 stuff. That, to me, suggests that it's what the developers intend - and their statements and various in-game sources support it.
I, for one, welcome the 'gritty' nature of the setting. It's what drew me into FFXIV in the first place - since I prefer my MMO's to be 'gritty' and involve intrigue, heroic struggles, discrimination and all the other trimmings. I've crafted my characters story around that sort of thing (which makes his role as a diplomat that much more interesting) and I'm seemingly the direct target audience given how much I've enjoyed Heavensward and the themes explored throughout the expansion.
That doesn't mean that I'm opposed to lighthearted stuff - and yes, there's plenty of that to be found in-game. It doesn't suddenly mean that there isn't horrific stuff going on all throughout Eorzea, though - especially when one examines the flavour text for quests, levequests, FATE's and so on; thus finding out just how bleak a place it can be.
So in short? No - nobody can 'enforce' other people to adhere to the developer's vision. Yet as a rough example: if George R.R Martin offers elaboration as to a particular character's motivation in Game of Thrones (and he's the guy who wrote it) then what he says trumps any fan interpretation to the contrary.
It's the same for FFXIV. If people want to interpret the setting differently to the creators then they're free to do so - but ultimately what the developers say is what's most important and it most definitely is supported by various in-game events and dialogue as shown through the many examples given throughout this very thread.
Though it does make for an interesting debate!
On a side note, I may be mistaken but you've yet to complete the MSQ's for Heavensward, correct? I won't spoil anything specific but the tone and general atmosphere of the expansion is even darker than the 2.0 stuff. That, to me, suggests that it's what the developers intend - and their statements and various in-game sources support it.
I, for one, welcome the 'gritty' nature of the setting. It's what drew me into FFXIV in the first place - since I prefer my MMO's to be 'gritty' and involve intrigue, heroic struggles, discrimination and all the other trimmings. I've crafted my characters story around that sort of thing (which makes his role as a diplomat that much more interesting) and I'm seemingly the direct target audience given how much I've enjoyed Heavensward and the themes explored throughout the expansion.
That doesn't mean that I'm opposed to lighthearted stuff - and yes, there's plenty of that to be found in-game. It doesn't suddenly mean that there isn't horrific stuff going on all throughout Eorzea, though - especially when one examines the flavour text for quests, levequests, FATE's and so on; thus finding out just how bleak a place it can be.
So in short? No - nobody can 'enforce' other people to adhere to the developer's vision. Yet as a rough example: if George R.R Martin offers elaboration as to a particular character's motivation in Game of Thrones (and he's the guy who wrote it) then what he says trumps any fan interpretation to the contrary.
It's the same for FFXIV. If people want to interpret the setting differently to the creators then they're free to do so - but ultimately what the developers say is what's most important and it most definitely is supported by various in-game events and dialogue as shown through the many examples given throughout this very thread.
Though it does make for an interesting debate!
