One major problem with most of the arguments, is that we don't have a proper definition of "RPG". A few examples:
Final Lap Twin (TG16) The highlight of this one is the story mode, which is an RPG by every definition that would include Final Fantasy.
Ys III Wanderers from Ys (Any) Very Side-Scrolling platformish but has many aspects of the genre, Faxanadu is similar.
Hydlide series (Especially the Sega Saturn one) I don't get what makes this an RPG even if we include Rogue-likes.
Keith Courage in Alpha Zones (TG16) Usually considered a platformer but is closer than Virtual Hydlide.

The East/West divide is also a complication don't know to many people who would finish Final Fantasy VII and then play Fable or vice-versa.