FFXII has the best gameplay out of any of the others. Save for maybe X. Storywise, yeah maybe the pacing sucked, but it was an awesome story. Again, one of my favorites in the series. XII is definitely in the top three for me, if not #1.

You're taking the license system way too literally

I agree on some level with what you say about the characters and story lacking "oomph," but I think that they're more ... uh realistic (lack of a better word) than previous sets of characters. The way they're acted and portrayed, I mean. I still don't think they lack heart or originality - Fran was a giant Icelandic bunny lady for god sakes! Balthier = badass sky pirate; Basch = badass disgraced military man; Ashe = badass scorned princess; Penelo = badass cute as a button girl; Vaan = not badass at all but still likeable street urchin.