Hello, first time poster here, but long time FFXI fan. I don't expect this idea to really go anywhere, but I figure it's better to suggest it than remain silent.
Myself and many others I know miss the playstyle and variables in an old fashioned 6 person party, and while I realize it's still -possible- to gather 6 people and dig into a mandragora camp in the jungle, it's not exactly the best way to level anymore. Now, I know FoV/GoV were designed to add to party play, but we all know 6 people with a regime on repeat will never get the same results- exp/hour wise- as a full alliance.
I know development is much smaller now, and this idea probably isn't at the top of the list, but I really miss the way smaller groups played. More emphasis was placed on each member and the areas in which we used to level in were more varied than the 3 popular GoV zones everyone packs into now.
However I feel that now is a better time than ever to restore 6 person parties for leveling. Level syncing insures that there will always be people to join, and the array of zones is of course bigger than it has ever been. This could also help players who desire to obtain more conquest points/imperial standing/allied notes.
I propose the implimentation of a buff that can only be used when a party's size has 4-6 members and is not allied, possibly obtained by FoV/GoV books, or possibly an item similar to Magian Specs that individuals could carry, which grants various benefits to the party. I can't say what exactly a fair balance would be, but it would need to include a hefty exp boost (either per mob/bonus per mobs killed/per chain) that can make it comperable to GoV, as well as something to reduce downtime, such as a constant Regen/Refresh effect.
I believe something to this degree would make these parties both viable and interesting, breaking up the bore of ganging up on easy prey with 18 people. I hope to hear any suggestions/improvements to these ideas, and I would be thrilled if something like this actually made it in. Thank you for your time.