The problem is that we all know the story so debating the ordering of games is just semantics really. Still, I do see your point about Crisis Core after Final Fantasy VII. The whole Cloud / Zack delusion is quite obviously foreshadowed in Crisis Core so I guess it makes sense to play it afterwards.

And don't be harsh on yourself, it is a good thread! Actually, here's a question. Do you think all of the spin-offs to be unnecessary and just "cash cowing" on the success of VII?