I do believe there are western publishers that could make a positive contribution to FF.
If not bioware/bethesda perhaps someone else...

What makes a FF game a FF game anyway ?

What should make an FF game an FF game ?

The whole linearity issue....while I don't mind linearity in an rpg I think if you could make it nonlinear and still have it make sense and be compelling you could attract new /more fans.

and emotions..While FFXII didn't have enough from the videos it seems to me FFXIII has too much.
They need to strike a balance.