Not too much is known right now but FFXIV is in development. From the trailers and bits of news it seems to be a different game than FFXII.
Theres a beta sign up going on right now if you are interested
http://entry.ffxiv.com/
Yep I've done a dual mod on my stick
Yeah its messy, but it works :D
As for the dual mod project, I only have experience with the madcatz SE and TE sticks since they have gotten so popular. These two threads should answer all your questions and even have picture by picture steps...
Yep square gates are what they use in Japanese cabinets, but its really all about personal preference.
As everyone else said in this thread, the TE has all sanwa parts so the only reason to open up a TE stick is to dual mod it for both systems. As for buttons, since it has a warranty, won't...
Another vote for NOLF and Grim Fandango, those games were pretty funny when i played through them. Which reminds me to dig them up and play through them again :D