If you're complaining about the diminishing side-quests, then technically your complaints should start with FFVII. The second half of FFVI was nothing but a series of side quests. Starting with FFVII, the number of side quests diminished.

I don't see anything wrong with it. They're experimenting with different game formats. I'm sure they would get bored making the same style of game all of the time. And as long as people buy the games, it means someone out there approves of it.