Well since that's my statement you quoted, I'll just add my thoughts again. I am perfectly fine with content being locked behind missions. Missions have been become easier over time due to nerfs and being level 99. You can solo it. I think we've covered this before; it's a lot of running around and, since we're so strong now, the hard part is this busywork rather than the fights (which have become trivial). Also, as mentioned earlier in this thread, JP midnight waits are stupid and should be abolished (I do believe that is going to be addressed in a future update). Now with that said, I still think it's fair to lock content behind these missions. It's not even because I went through it, therefore everybody should have to. To me, it's just an initiation to the game. Agree, disagree, that's fine but I know there are a lot of players who would agree.

When I read your posts, the thing that rubs me the wrong way is that you come in, 11 years into the life of the game, and say "Nope, nope this is all wrong. The way it is, that's no good. Change it all for me. I shouldn't have to do CoP to get AF 109. I shouldn't have to get rank 6 to do Dynamis." When you say that, I think a lot of veterans would be annoyed. To me, it's like complaining about needing a permit to improve your house. I can see it from your perspective, but I have my own perspective too that's just how I feel.

Regarding your friends, I just think this game wasn't for them. The work comparison is apt. Certain parts of the game are much closer to work than play. It boils down to the feeling of accomplishment, whether it comes from the execution of a plan and winning a tough fight or months of daily grinding to finish a goal. When you progress to a certain point in the game, this is what it is.

Related to the work comment, unless you love BRD, WHM, or something like that, you can't just get by on one job. Especially if that job is SMN. The job is very useful in certain content as well as solo/low-man, but it's not universally useful. Almost no job is. The beauty of this game is being able to level multiple jobs on the same character. Most people level at least one utility job for content that requires more specialization. If you want to play SMN exclusively then I'm afraid you will be shut out of a lot of content.

Anyway, I am sorry if my comment contributed to your departure from the game. I think the game is fun, but a lot of what makes it worthwhile is the friends I've made over the years. If your friends are gone then the game becomes very lonely. We may disagree on what the game should be but I don't think that there's much disagreement over what the game is.