I don't really get the nostalgia for the old world maps, but I also think XV patently failed as an open-world. I suppose I'd prefer a linear set of locations, maybe done as more contained zones, if they really want to.
Really though, I think there's too much focus on the framing and not the content. FF is usually trying to send the player on a journey, but that's usually not an experience an open-world game is equipped to facilitate. Those games establish an area and the player interacts with it over the course of the game. Maybe the world changes somewhat, but you don't really leave.
I'd rather go to interesting, varied locations with compelling reasons to go to them rather than exploring this one big world because it's there.
Really though, I think there's too much focus on the framing and not the content. FF is usually trying to send the player on a journey, but that's usually not an experience an open-world game is equipped to facilitate. Those games establish an area and the player interacts with it over the course of the game. Maybe the world changes somewhat, but you don't really leave.
I'd rather go to interesting, varied locations with compelling reasons to go to them rather than exploring this one big world because it's there.