
Producer and director Yoshi-P here.
Thanks for your feedback on guildhests!
FFXIV: ARR has been designed with players new to MMORPGs in mind, which is why there's no need to play in a party until level 15. At that point, players will be introduced to dungeons through the main scenario. Although these beginning dungeons have also been designed with beginners in mind, we understand that some players may want to experience party play before level 15 to be prepared for these dungeons. In answer to this, guildhests have been made available starting from level 10.
It'll be much easier to find a group once the duty finder has been implemented, but we've also received feedback regarding the quests leading up to guildhests. This doesn't mean we're going to force players to party at level 10, but we're considering using sidequests to create a better introduction to guildhests in phase 4.