Looking through some sample photos [1], I would say the biggest issue with the F717 is the inability to blur the background and isolate the subject. That's more a limitation of the lens than the camera - but since the lens is integrated in the F717 it's totally fair to say it's a limitation of the camera too.

I had a similar issue with a Panasonic micro four-thirds camera where I was just never happy with the photos I got out of it. I much prefered the results I got with my prior inexpensive Canon APS-C DSLR, and the Sony Full Frame mirrorless camera I upraded to afterwards. No doubt a better photographer than myself could have gotten some great photos out of the Panasonic - but yeah for me just upgrading the camera made a big difference in both my own satisfaction and also the feedback I was getting from others.

[1] https://www.flickr.com/photos/tags/dscf717