now that is totally wrong lol.
FFXIV servers are global so there is no region lock.
though there is JP , NA and EU for the game.
this is for the resubscription payments. which is more easier for u ect.
so it doesnt matter if ur friend buys the EU and u buy the NA , u both will still be able to play together so long as u chose the same server.
hope that helps.

im not sure how ps4 region works, but if it is still the same like it was in ps3, then if ur account is R3 u wont be able to play R1 (NA/US) of the game, so u need to create a new PSN account which is R1.

if you check behind the cd case of ur game, it will show a little globe with a number either 1 2 or 3.
that will be the R1 R2 R3.
so example when u are purchasing FFXIV for the PS4 and u buy an R1 version, meaning u need to sign in account on PSN using a US account. You can create the US PSN ID at the playstation us site

the game will include a 1 month sub .
so for the start u dont have to worry

i started this game during 2.0 which was ARR, i guess nearly 2 years...
i too was sceptic regarding the subscription.. i loved FF games and so i held back in purchasing FF14 ARR becuz of the subscription, but after watching reviews and videos of the game, it was like poison to me, i could no longer heldback and str8 away bought it... never regretted it
i love the game and now cant wait for 3.0 Heavensward, the storyline is interesting and gameplay wise is very nice imo.
i wont ask u to buy it but u can try it as the game has a 14 day trial if you check the site, so u can just try it for 14 days before purchasing, but the trial has restrictions such as u can progress further than lvl20 i think and u cant add friends ect. but at least u can try the gameplay abit .
so my suggestion is to just try the 14 day trial becuz nothing to lose