WK: Ultimately, your whole post can be summed up as "Hey, I hated FFXIII! Stop saying this isn't a money grabber!" but I'll humour you. I think in the case of you and I discussing FFXIII and so forth, we can always agree to disagree, personally, but what the hell.

I wasn't aware of FFX being criticised to any major level. It sold massively well, probably better than the previous two games, and has a very large following to this day. You can often tell how popular an FF is based on how many people name themselves after the characters, and I assure you, there were a lot of Tidus, Auron, Yuna, Rikku etc. characters floating about the moment FFX hit the retail stores. But yeah, FFX was widely loved (not including myself or yourself, but two people with taste changes little when you look at the average user ratings out on the internet). FFX-2 was released because FFX sold so incredibly well. VII? Also sold really well. Not a shocker that the two best-selling FF games of the 3D generation (I think?) are the ones with sequels - well, before FFXIII-2 comes along.

You say that Final Fantasy XIII didn't need a sequel, and while it didn't need one (no game ever does, to be honest, need a sequel) a large number of people at the time of finishing FFXIII at EoFF were discussing how much potential there was for a sequel. The masses caught on to the idea immediately and it was always looking like heading in that direction. The fans weren't clamouring for a sequel but a large number of those that finished and enjoyed the game were certainly interested before any kind of mention was made from SE, and that is enough for them to take note.

People complained about FFX's battle system? That's weird - most people say it's one of the best, including myself. I agree that it was linear and that was my primary complaint outside of the characters, but the sales and ratings still said enough. Fans enjoyed FFX in general and it was a success on all levels. There was little room for a sequel, let alone need. Very different to FFXIII, where we were discussing the huge opening for a sequel from the moment they finished.

The other issue here is that I don't see XIII-2 as SE being a good way for SE to apologize for a bad game that was hindered by terrible management.
To be fair, I'm not saying it's the best way to apologise and I'm not saying it's an apology, either. I'm saying that it's them doing their best to improve upon the XIII 'franchise', to regain the integrity of that XIII number. Some people say "They should have just gone straight to XV" but this would be a mistake. If they cock up XIII-2, they're relatively safe from harm, to be honest. It's just a spinoff game. If they cock up XV, that's three in a row and that's what is often referred to in this world as A Very Bad Thing.

XIII-2 is not SE saying they care and want to make amends, it's them admitting they no longer know what they are doing, and are asking the fans to tell them what they want so they can continue making a profit.
On some level, yes, you're right. And they should listen to fans. They should try to improve their game. They should do everything they can to continue to make a profit. But I think they're going about it the right way, personally. These are things they should do and are doing. It's about time, really. And I'm happy for that. Could they do this by taking what they have learned and going straight to XV? No, I think that would be a bad idea. But I still believe they are doing this because they care. Maybe not about you and me, but about the integrity of Final Fantasy. Many games flop, it doesn't mean it's the end of the world for everyone out there. They could drop Final Fantasy altogether and still find a new way to sell a lot of games. But instead, they are doing all they can to appease the fans and get Final Fantasy XIII a sequel that gives the series a bit more integrity. They're doing it right. For the money? Pah.

a decade of delays, a gross overuse of brand name for spin-offs, sequels no one asked for, and a mass exodus of the talent that made the franchise )and company) popular in the 90s is what has been chinking away at the "holiness of the Square name" one bit at a time.
I do agree with a lot of this, but
XIV didn't tarnish the franchise
to say this immediately beforehand is incorrect. Yes, it did. It's stupid to say otherwise. I'm not saying it was all FFXIV, but it certainly has played a bloody big part of it and if you can't see that you're very close-minded. And this is coming from someone who enjoys playing FFXIV more than most. I still don't play it often anymore and won't subscribe from the get-go.

Some people may have enjoyed FFXIII but from what I've read and seen, their is a large consensus with the fanbase that XIII was underwhelming when compared to the franchises' legacy.
I agree with that. Although I think the same of FFX and FFXII, so I don't see how FFXIII are suddenly so much worse, but that's personal opinion.

Had XIII simply had some wanky design problems (like FFII and VIII) I can see going back to address them, in another game
For me, design problems is the last reason to make another game - another game should only be made if there is room for it, and in VIII's case there was none. II? I mean... what was there to begin with? xD
but XIII made some design decisions that had fans wondering what SE was thinking from day 1 of their announcements, and from what Kitase has admitted about the troubled development the game went through and its sheer lack of focus up until the release of the demo a year before the games release, then chances are most of these choices were made due to screwing around for so long as opposed to actually making it as a conscious choice. When fans have to wonder why you removed towns and exploration, from a genre that has always been about exploring new worlds and seeing new places, you have to wonder. If they had admitted it was a bad move, it would have been one thing, but to turn around and blame the fans for not understanding the "artistic direction" is just childish and a poor way to save face. XIII-2 is simply SE admitting they were wrong without out right saying it.
I don't know if an apology is in order, personally. I don't think one was in order for XIII. It wasn't everyone's cup of tea, that we all know, but should they really have to apologise for making the game they wanted to make and that they were happy with? I mean, how many games have not done well over the years. Does every other developer have to come out and make a formal apology every time people don't like it? That's stupid. Not every game will suit every fan. I'm certain that making the game you see as perfect will be a game that someone else does not. Likewise for me. It's normal. They can admit that they didn't think people would view things in certain ways, but why apologise? It's not like XIV where they asked people to pay for a game that wasn't ready in any way whatsoever. XIII was a finished game, but people didn't like it as much as they liked their favourite FF from whenever. Is that so bad? Did they apologise for re-releasing FFII? "Still a tit game, here you go!" What about FFX HD? It's the same as before, but with HD graphics. They wouldn't do this if it was a bad game, by the way. No, of course they didn't apologise and I don't think they should have to. Just because you didn't like it, doesn't mean they have to apologise. You know this, I'm sure you do.
these guys have been working on this series for over a decade for some members, they really should know what they are doing, not asking fans what they should do.
Ironically, talking with the fans more about what they want is something that people have been calling for SE to do for years on years now, surely including yourself. Not talking to fans is just how FFXIV and FFXIII came about. You want them to stop asking fans what they want now that they've finally started? Do you know the saying "Damned if you do, damned if you don't"? >=P

I could debate with you forever, WK, I think you do it so well - no bitching, no flaming, no anger... it's actually almost fun. :<3: I do see your viewpoint and I can understand how you can reach it, but I hope you can see where I'm coming from, too.