Blue mage logic is based on a level 75 game

[Mirabelle]

As someone that is not a BLU main (COR, RNG), I have accepted that my BLU will be chronically under-geared. To play BLU with utmost efficiency requires a ton of gear swaps and I just don't have the storage space.
What I struggle with is the opinion that if you aren't doing things with the best gear and utmost efficiency in gear swaps, you are unskilled. Whenever I go out on BLU with my so-so gear, I have no problem accomplishing what I've set out to do. So why exactly do I need all this elite gear again?
I solo'd 99% of my BLU spells. I can grab hate from WAR and NIN in my LS when DD'ing. I can proc BLU spells when needed. I'm on the ball for stuns (which is really where I've made the most difference on BLU if you ask me). Admittedly I haven't built a charged whisker set yet but again my priorities right now are my COR, RNG empy's with my small empy group.
My definition of a skilled player is one that can do his job properly so that he or his group can accomplish the task. Being elite means you can step above that level. But like in real life, there are scales of skill levels and it isn't a matter of "you are elite or you suck".
And lol at talk of laziness. Being lazy is playing FFXI. If you weren't lazy you'd be out in RL earning a real living.

[Prothscar]

The question isn't whether or not you have the gear, the question is whether you know what you're missing, how to get it, how to apply it and whether you will do so. Yes. it's laziness if they haven't done the simple research on how to play their job effectively. You are not one of those people, so I suggest chilling out.

[Tashan]

Yeah, as Pro has stated it's not a matter of whether you have all the equipment but whether you're aware of the potential to better yourself and can effectively evaluate your current efforts.

Blue Mage is my only job and even I struggle to accommodate equipment space for everything. For example I'm well aware of the effectiveness of a HP+ build for White Wind. But there is no way I can afford to give up the inventory space to do so, so I use my cure potency build shared by other spells such as Magic Fruit.

There is no way I could expect someone who only plays it occasionally to have the same luxuries as I do, nor would I use it to discredit someone on the basis of skill.

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I resent the idea that playing FFXI is being lazy though. I manage a business, work a separate job to fund my business and extend my experience towards another career option, study parttime and still enjoy playing FFXI and joining in discussions.