You're right that FFX-2 was created because they thought FFXI would take them a year or two longer than they wanted (although it really didn't and now they have 2 games coming out within a day of each other).
There are no guidlines for how a FF game must be created. They are RPG games set in a fantasy world. Things like magic and monsters clearly set them away from reality.
One can argue FFX-2 is too 'modern-day' to be FF. But what makes Spira different? Monsters, magic, Guado, Ronso, blitzball, aeons (at one time), fayth, etc, etc. If you think about FFVIII, if you take away the magic and the monsters, it could be set in our world. Yet no one argues that FFVIII isn't FF material.
The truth is, since a new FF game can be set in any kind of world with any kind of adventure, what clearly defines FF games are the fact that they always are top-of-the-line with the best graphics they can create. Square prides itself in having excellent stories, plots, characters, environments, and fighting. They have yet to create a game to disgrace the name of Final Fantasy, for which they deserve credit.
Just because the main characters in FFX-2 are girls, doesn't make FFX-2 a 'whore game' and doesn't make them leisbians. If FFXII is three guys who are best friends going to save their world, are people going to say that they're gay and that FFXII is a 'fag game'? I don't think so. (No offense to anyone). I think what's REALLY going on is that guys are upset that the main character role is filled by a girl and not a guy. Get over it already. If you got a problem with it, stop throwing hissy fits and just buy FFXI where you can choose which sex you want your main character.
