I have finally turned off the mini-map so I can at least lie to myself and pretend the games areas have more going on than being pretty. It also forces me to be more aware of my surroundings so I don't miss treasure chests.
Looks like we finally find some common ground I posted a thread about turning off the mini-map to better appreciate the scenery, but no one else seemed to approve. Of course I was saying that it is awesome that it is a straight line so that it affords me the ability to turn off the map, but lets focus on the positive now.

This also brings me to my first major gripe with the game. Am I the only person here who can't fathom why it takes 4 chapters to introduce the Weapon customization system?
You will be disappointed to learn it isn't a customization system at all, just a Money/Vendor Trash=>+Stats type dealie. You basically take your weapons from the beginning and upgrade them as you go along by selling everything else you pick up. Takes all the fun out of itemization in the game.

Lightning still feels utterly emotionless to me, she only seems to have two feelings: Anger and indifference.
Probably why I like her so much.

Hope... Its a shame he's so useful in battle. Basically, I'm having a really hard time feeling like he's 14, he comes across way younger and I can't understand why he simply can't scream at Snow.
I think through their portrayal in media people seem to think 14 year olds are a lot more mature than they actually are. I coach all the time and I can say that I find him acting very 'in-age'. Also keep in mind the 14 year olds vary as much as the rest of us grownups, in terms of emotional development they are all over the map, usually having much different 'ages' of development in each emotion.

well every time he shows up I want to punch him in the face.
Totally.

The story just feels a bit sluggish right now, I was hoping things would pick up once they all became l'Cie but I still feel like the plot is meandering and slowly building up to its actual objective and point.
I'm on Ch11, and if you are interested in actual plot as opposed to 'character development', well, if you don't have anything nice to say....