I would prefer if there were some consistency in the character models. Perhaps they could make their first ultra-realistic FF? You know, make the character models the way they look in the opening FMV for a change?
Separate train of thought: one of the keys here is going to be the speed of the battle engine. Even if it's not full-on ATB (even though Final Fantasy X-2 was...?), it should move and animate FAST, like we're talking no time to breathe at all.
You notice, animations don't take up nearly as much time. The rule should be: as flashy as you want, but finished within a 5 second time frame. Get the game MOVING!
It's bad enough we have to deal with super long load times, installation, downloads and junk like that in the last generation, don't WASTE MY TIME. Final Fantasy VI was cool for precisely this reason...it's a JRPG but it gets on with it!!!