The only problem I see with extensive character creation processes are things like sliders on body size. If there's not a limit on it, people will make ridiculously small characters or large ones that just look fucking retarded (Aion), and I really don't want that in XIV. Yes it allows for diversity, but there should be a line drawn so people don't just go crazy overboard. I'd rather them limit some of the character design features like size and width, chest size (Aion again, made this over the top). Call me gay if you really want to, but I'd rather there be some amount of realism put into the thought of armor design for female characters. Not just have 90% of the sets of armor they wear look like something a stripper would, barely covering any flesh - when clearly that wouldn't protect the wearer from a god damn thing. (Aion again)
Thankfully I see SE going the route they did with FFXI for these things; although I do hope they allow for more diversity during the character creation process on the smaller things like scars, hair, and other facial features. Diversity is a good thing, but only up to an extent.. no chibi midget characters with gigantic heads and downs faces please.