Things FFXVI did well. Unmarked game end spoilers inside.

[Example]

Clive's characterisation and development over the course of the game was definitely a highlight for me, especially the way he opens up to the people around him and even makes some attempts at humour at times compared to the brooding loner focused only on "muh revenge" early on in the game.

I agree with you on the villains, although I did like Barnabas more than Ultima.

I also agree on the NPCs and the hideaway, and the way they changed as you did more sidequests made the experience all the more rewarding.