I figured for most people the answer likely is Final Fantasy Tactics. That's understandable given the game is better than many of the proper entries in the main series. I was hoping to get some interesting answers as well and you have provided this! I didn't really think of Four Heroes of Light since despite the name it doesn't feel much like anything directly related to Final Fantasy. I love the game despite its faults and annoyingly difficult final boss.

Chocobo Tales is a unique response. I haven't played it but it seemed to be ignored by the majority of Final Fantasy fans. Shame on us I guess? It sounds like a fun little game. I may have to track down a copy at some point.

Probably a bit too early to consider FF Dimensions for this list! It's only recently come out and I'm sure it will take a few playthroughs (if it's enjoyable) to determine if it belongs in consideration here. That said, I have seen many enjoying it despite its graphical issues! I downloaded the free portion but haven't gotten a chance to try it yet.

Another interesting choice! Well, Dragon Quest III is anyway. IV would be a more standard choice. The early NES titles don't hold up as well these days but I guess III would surely be the best of the first three given the cool job system. I'm surprised you couldn't get into V! V is just all around an amazing title and seems to be the general fan favorite. I can understand your issues with VI, but I still enjoy that odd duck in the series.

Well, VII was technically 3D for exploration and such it just used 2D sprites for characters. Plus older Dragon Quest games had been updated on PS1 with a look similar to VII. This quibbling aside, VIII was the first that took full advantage of 3D and as such it seemed like the most popular entry outside of Japan. It successfully captured that spirit of old 16-bit RPGs with all the bells and whistles of more recent games. I don't know if I'd agree it is the best as I didn't like the character advancement system.

IX was an amazing game with an insane amount of content for a small little DS cart. The combat and class systems were a blast and there was seemingly an endless amount of post game stuff to do, not even getting into multiplayer. Calling the story thirty 'save the town' scenarios is a bit of an exaggeration. There's a lot of very personal and heartbreaking stories, most of which don't actually involve saving the town itself. You really should play it!

I must admit that I have a very selfish desire for them to make an HD collection, because I never played any of them! With the price they go for now I'd really love an easier way just to give them a try. It's a lot of money to invest in a series I might not even like. Konami needs to make a collection of the PS2 Suikoden games as well but that seems even less likely.

Chrono would be on a lot of people's lists but in all honesty I think it would have been far better if it had no connection or only vague connections to Chrono Trigger. The way it connects to the first game doesn't work quite well and though it may have impacted sales, a less direct connection may have helped the quality of the story. I can't speak much on the Shadow Hearts sequels, but would just compare them to Konami's own Suikoden where a continued universe as the games went along really kept fans hooked. Maybe something similar would have helped keep fans interested in Shadow Hearts? 

Lufia 1&2 are a perfect example of how to do a good direct sequel from what I've heard.

Sorry to hear you're without power! Hopefully you get that back soon. I'd start with Dragon Quest IX on DS as that on its own could eat up a ton of time. On PSP, I would highly recommend Growlanser: Wayfayer of Time as a great time sync. On iPhone, there's always Penny Arcade Adventures 3 and Cthulhu Saves the World for some solid entertainment. Of course your current selections are great!

Oh, that would have to be a spell letting me return to previously visited towns instantly. Just imagine all the gas I would save! OK, that isn't true because I would still need to fly to places I haven't been to yet.

Ohm that would have to be the world of the most recent Atelier games since it isn't constantly under the threat of utter devastation! Or I could always say the world of Atelier Annie since that takes place on an island resort. Anyway, basically any of these worlds from less violent RPGs would serve me just fine!