Why developers feel they have to change JRPGs away from the trends that made them successful?
What makes them feel that an ATB system wouldn't work in today's market when so many fans enjoyed it? Arguable more people then who enjoy the FFXII and FFXIII style of combat. What do the con attendants prefer? (I personally think Chrono Trigger perfected combat)
What makes them think that stunning graphics will sell more copies of a game than a fun system with an amazing story?
On the other hand, why is the main character always a young boy, who's orphaned/different/fresh out of basic training? I want to play a grizzled old guy who finds a renewed sense of strength and seeks revenge for past wrongs, or start the game as a villain who successfully destroys the world but then realizes his mistakes and must travel time to find the means and ability to stop his former self, or a superpower who's part of a pantheon that travels the universe and brings order to the worlds he finds amongst the chaos. What would they like to see?