The Atelier Iris games were a big generic, but there is no way you can say that about the Arland series of games. In the world of RPG's, there really isn't any other games with plots like those ones. I guess you could call it bland, but really the focus of those games are on the path of your growing workshop over some overarching plot, as well as a goal that's pretty much only important to your main character rather then the world around her.

The cast can be a bit stereotypical at times, but still within their stereotypes they are pretty well written. Though I can see why a person wouldn't like the games characters.

And face it, my criticisms of Xenogears are all entirely valid.

Edit: And note There has yet to be a Breath of Fire game, or any other FF besides VII and V listed.

And I have yet to actually play any Suikoden besides IV....