The FFXI Encyclopedia has an interview with the Final Fantasy XI developers with regards to the upcoming expansion, Wings of the Goddess. Skimming through the lines, they give a lot of hints but no definitive answers. Sadly, there will be no barriers for missions, and no one asked about their length: Treasures of Aht Urghan had very short missions, often ridicolously easy, so I'd like a better challenge this time.

Among the other things mentioned, new jobs (I wonder if the usual people will start already complaining about "they suck for endgame! Boo hoo!"), a global adjustment of all the other classes (I'm hoping on an adjustment of Ninja as a subjob, probably the most abused subjob ever) and eve a hint on Tanaka's new MMORPG, which is apparently still top secret.

Also, there was an annoucement of another fan festival: I wouldn't mind going this time, providing I find the money.