Increase the number of meritable WS

[RAIST]

Actually , the BLM reference IS relevant to your argument. YOU made the argument that the merit system was already a major issue with job selection prior to them adding the merit WS system. BLM is an easy way to point out the flaw in that argument. It was more important that Freeze2 be unlocked then it was to have capped potency. Even if it was only 1 merit, it was still useful and accepted. Whereas, 1/5 Shoha is considered pointless unless you are using it as a Skillchain opener--and that is not what people want Shoha for, they want it 5/5 for maximum damage output. Either you have it 5/5 for the frontline, or you need to come on a job with a WS that is 5/5 that they will accept.

Pure and simple. If you aren't spec'ed out on a WS now, they don't want you ON THAT JOB. So, you are left with a limited job selection based in large part by your WS merits. This was NOT the case with the merit system in the past. Now, it has become a determining factor, and like I pointed out earlier, there are some cases where you may have two WS setup for one job--if you can't use that WS on another job, then you may have just reduced your acceptable job options.

If you want to maintain your flexibility, then you have to merit soem or all crossover WS like Startdiver and such. In the end, you may not be able to use a WS on a job you would prefer to go on. Merit WS's with restricted job use, and you may freeze yourself out of invites. This was NOT the case with the past merit system and WS selection--it was either you had the WS unlocked, or you didnt' (which, had nothing to do with merits, but quests which you were free to pursue every single one if you had the job leveled and skilled).

{Edit:}

Unlocking every weapon skill isn't going to make your problem of which job you get picked to go on go away.

Actually, yes it would. If you could go 5/5 on WS for at least the primary (possibly even secondary) weapon for each of your jobs, then that potentially rules that out as a limiting factor. Then we are back to Job features, gear, and stats like it has always been.