I think the reason a lot of people find it hard to quit is because we all have individual needs of satisfaction from FFXI. Perhaps it could be a need for completion, while others it could be almost anything.
I play the game for fun, and treat it like a videogame.
With my kind of attitude and motives, I don't think I'll be retiring any time soon until I feel that the game has been beaten down like my offline console games.
Plus I like the involving story, and new things SE is doing with ToAU.
I find it pretty fun, and entertaining .
Those that know me closely understand that I hardly play now, compared to how much time I used, and thats due to real life responsibilities that I need to keep up with.
Otherwise, I play just like everyone else.
Maybe thats the same drive that keeps you going.
Then again I could be wrong. As individuals certain things drive us differently.
The reasons for leaving, and coming back are endless.
If you play, .//hack GU and talk to some of the NPCs, they will state a lot of things we as people do, and reasons.
There are some peeps that just play for social reasons, others like the leveling grind, some like to feel achievement, some play because its a way to keep them busy, others have online romances or seek it, some seek attention or are just plain emo, others like to become another person just because its either fun or stuff doesn't go their way in real life, others like to roleplay (rare to find on our server though), some like pvp even though its died down greatly on our server, others like to start drama or be involved in it, some like to sell gil or cook fried Chinese food for millions on the server, some cyber, some play FF because of the gameplay or battle system, some play for the enjoyment of story or mission, and also there are many that just play for fun.
I bet there is a lot of other reasons I missed out on including, but you pretty much get the basic gist of it.
But if you truly wanted to quit the game, probably the best way is to wipe yourself clean and become permanently deleted.
For some people its hard to invest all the time they did in the past, so chances are they won't return.
There are exceptions!!
All the reasons above kinda give a person a need to return.
Oh, what the heck...lol
SE, owns you!! lol
