Found this interesting article where Square Enix discusses Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest and why FF is more popular in the West. Apparently it's on their mind!

http://nintendoeverything.com/square...-series-fresh/

One interesting point is that they are linked to each region's nostalgia differently -- Final Fantasy VII with the rise of PlayStation in the West, and Dragon Quest with the rise of Famicon in Japan.

Anyways, just figured I'd share.