Final Fantasy IX is a wonderful game, and I can't see how anyone would call it a filler. I could see how someone doesn't like it, that's just your gaming preference. Anyway, FFIX was a tribute and made to bring back fans who were made with VII and VIII. In all the honesty I've ever known, I like both of those, too.

FFIX's music was the best achievement about the game, with Uematsu showing off all his wonderful talents - even if some game was remixed from FFI.