Seem, I always defended the game just based on "linear isnt bad", not really thinking about the reasons why its linear.
Ive also always been confused why FFX is well liked despite... also being very linear up until it opens up at the end? But XIII got memed for hallways???
The way you interact with the game's world isn't actually all that different from how the PS1 games played outside of the battle screens. It's just when you strip away any player agency and freedom the feeling of a grand adventure fades away very quickly and you're just left staring at the clunky gameplay and barren game world for what they are
While the earlier FF games were also linear you had to find your way to the next plot progression point yourself and there were towns and an entire world map full of optional stuff to get lost in on the way, which made continuing the story feel more like an active decision on your part