But Spira had filler as well. I mean, pretty much every area between the temples was filler. And I really don't need to discuss the Mi'hen Highroad. That thing was a hike.

I suppose I do see your point, because at least cut-scenes still took place on the Highroad, and the other sort of 'travelling' locations, like the Moonflow or the Thunder Plains. Areas like the Paramina Rift in FFXII would be improved were there to be more meaningful interactions between the characters, and cut-scenes or even little moments would have made a difference. I still think FFXII's world was incredible, but I can see some room for improvement.