As for F1's, well... that was mostly based off moments when I tried bringing up the topic. Nothing related to FF.n reviewers (which I have no experience with, given how I'm barely reviewed). Also, I just want to decide what I want to do with the story, not make a last-minute decision. THAT is why I'm asking this while the story is still in the beginning.
That's a good idea.
HOWEVER, what you need at this point is an outline. Maybe do it in your head, most likely put it on paper/computer screen, but it should be done if you don't plan on winging it. Nothing extremely detailed, just putting events as how you want them to be such as:
-Main character fights this enemy.
-Main character arrives at such and such a location.
-Main character first meets side character.
That type of thing. Once you do that, you can start building up from it. Adding details to those events like:
-Main character fights this enemy:
After getting enraged by the enemy's taunts, and getting beaten up because of his temper, main character eventually pulls himself together and outsmarts his enemy. Leading him into a den of sleeping wolves that he had seen earlier, and then sneaking away safely, he smirks as he watches the fool run away with the cranky wolves nipping at his heels. Victory.
-Main character arrives at such and such a location:
First he comes through the main gate, finding a run-down inn. Seeing as he doesn't have much money on hand, he decides to chance it in favor of paying more at a different place.
After sleeping the night, he leaves.
-Main character first meets side character:
The initial meeting doesn't go so well. Main character first starts a brawl with side character and ends up getting injured, although he breaks side character's arm as well. They part ways with less than good impressions of each other.
And in addition to that, you should (after getting a basic outline) decide on WHO exactly your characters are. That is to say, what they're like. Something like this:
Main character:
He's a brash, young adventurer who's seeking fame and fortune. While he's 'trained' in martial arts, his temper and inexperience make him a less than stellar fighter. He mostly makes up for this with his ingenuity, which has lead him to coming up with brilliant ideas on the spur of the moment.
Side character:
He's a wizened old traveler whose experience is only rivaled by his bad habits. Known to gamble, smoke, drink, steal, pick fights, and other numerous vices, he's not a well liked fellow. However, despite this, he's a do-gooder. If there's trouble for innocent folk, he's not one to idly watch.
Of course, these are only basic examples, but you get the idea. Only after you've done this should you start messing around. Fill in the details as you want. The outline is just that, an outline, so you can change events and only have to make small modifications instead of rewriting large chunks. This is where you'd want to ask for help. Tell people the bare bones of the involved events and give more details if they ask.
