I get what you guys are saying, but I think you underestimate how significant Yuji Horii is. In Japan, he's second only to Shigeru Miyamoto. When it comes to JRPGs, he's the absolute truth. If he says something, you have to respect it and follow suit. I don't expect Horii's words to make any impact over here in the West, as he's not as famous and highly praised in here. However, in Japan, these words could lead to a huge shift in FFXII's mixed reputation. I hope Horii continues to praise FFXII In Japanese interviews, especially leading up to the launch of the eventual FFXII HD.
Monster Hunter wasn't always big in Japan. However, somebody significant and highly respected made it a craze at one High School, which then quickly spread to other schools, and then universities, and then work places. After only a few years of releasing on PSP, the series had taken over Japan. It started by a respected person saying, "This game is great. You should all play it with me." That influence is what got all his friends to play it with him in WLAN. Before you know it, other people caught on and the shit spread from school to school and eventually conquered Japan. Yuji Horii is way more widely respected and influential than some random teengaer in a Japanese High School. If he keeps praising FFXII enough in Japanese media, some FFXII haters may even force themselves to like it. LOL!