[dev1210] Why Not Merit Weaponskills ??

[Alhanelem]

Between optimization or not optimizing. What's the logical choice?

Your choice is between optimizing one job and optimizing another. But if you really want to not optimize anything, that's an option too, I suppose.

Also, some of us are not as crazy hardcore as you are and are not super concerned with putting out the absolute greatest numbers and one-upping the rest of the party, as long as they're able to win the content. Some play play a bit more relaxed (But that also doesn't mean they aren't capable). However, I recognize the plight of such elitists who are unable to understand why everyone else around them doesn't strive for absolute perfection; I honestly pity such people. >.>

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I'm still not convinced that there is such a huge gap between the merit WS and the next best possible option (Which, even if there is, the whole system is going to be undergoing revisions soon, so any argument we're having about it could be moot- Ignoring people's cynicism about how SE will change the older WS). I'm also not convinced that the difference between a 1/5 and 5/5 WS is significant enough to majorly alter your DPS over a fight or affect your ability to play content. Odds are, if you have the WS at all, nobody's going to be paying attention to exactly how much damage you do with it- so unless you're playing with the most elite of elitists, nobody's going to notice you haven't fully upgraded it.

As I've said before, I wouldn't mind if they increased the WS limit as I think it's a bit too restrictive atm (and I'm sure everyone would love that). I only don't feel that it should be uncapped entirely.

In a game where your job selection at any given time is not limited, I wholeheartedly disagree.

Since not everybody has leveled/unlocked every job, that's not exactly true.

Also, every other game pretty much lets you play every class. FFXI just makes it much more convenient to do so by allowing you to do it with a single identity. Should those games have all their customization options removed, since being able to play all classes apparently means you have to be allowed to be the best at everything?

I would honestly be more bothered if the decisions you have to make couldn't be undone. But they can be. And while its a bit of a hassle, it is not in any way difficult to remove your merits from something and then upgrade something else- something I've done on a few occasions after regretting my choices.

Personally, I like making choices about my character. But it doesn't seem like anyone else does. I don't feel my ability to be the best PUP should be limited to gear obtainment (especially since everyone who wants to play a job will probably get the best or near the best gear for it eventually). If that's my favorite job, I should be able to customize my character to favor that job. I also play other jobs when necesary, and I can still play those jobs. I'm just better at this job because it's my favorite. (In fact, in most content I end up using something else. I use my SCH, DNC, SMN, DRK and GEO all the time even though my stat merits are for STR and my Others merits favor melee combat. Have I been prevented from using those jobs by my merit choices? Absolutely not. The merit system has successfully enhanced my favorite job, whilst not preventing me from using others when necessary.)