I think Microsoft still sort of remain the best hope for them. The Nintendo games were commercially swings and misses, and while they weren't break-out hits, the games they did with MS were solid. Sony probably have better places to spend their money, especially considering they need to strongly consider their budget thanks to the rest of the company performing far behind the gaming section...
As much as I would like a return to Sony (since I'm planning to buy a PS4 when it's cheaper and has actual games), I agree, and it would be for the best.
I really liked the MS of the beginning of 360, supporting a good variety of games. Lost Odyssey has to be the only game I really envy of 360 (I mean, there are others, but nothing comes close), so if the Gooch is making something similar to that (whether a new IP or a sequel to LO) it would be huge... at least for me. I don't know about potential buyers, but I think it would be helpful, for sure.
What Sakaguchi needs is more people helping him helming a project, not only in the development process, but also in the creative side. So, with that, and MS funding it and giving him a good amount of developers would be great, since I think he still has it (LO felt like it had much more FF soul than XIII, which isn't very hard, but...)
BTW, I hope that someday they make something out of my avatar. I've always loved this design and how it basically is a realistic rendition of Blue Dragon (another game I'd love to play, even if looks like it's considered worse).