Full Perle

[Greatguardian]

Some pieces of Perle are not particularly bad, when it comes down to it. The body, for example, is a fairly solid piece for the jobs that can equip it. The full set, as well, is not bad at all for a new player or someone who is new to a heavy-armor job. The only issue I have with the set, personally, is how different people define "Bridge sets".

While it's true that Perle is fine as a bridge set, the problem occurs when people are content with their bridge set and get defensive about it. Wearing low-tier armor is wearing low-tier armor, no matter the circumstance. When people become defensive, and content with full Perle, they lose the brunt of the drive to replace it and get better armor ASAP; which is the primary purpose of bridge armor.

People tend to be very uptight and insecure about their gear. A lot don't like to have their flaws pointed out to them, even if they know that they exist. I know I could definitely improve on some of my own gear sets, and I make strides to do so every time I play. That's why it doesn't bother me when people look at my gimped up NIN and call it gimp. I know it's gimp; sad, but true. I can't defend the fact that it's gimp. It's not "my opinion", or "my way of playing", I just have a pretty bad NIN and I'm probably not going to get around to fixing it up till I've finished my Armageddon and, subsequently, my Kannagi. That definitely does make me a bad NIN, and I'm not in any position to deny it.

The same is true when people wear full Perle. Yeah, it's okay for a new player, but it's bad gear overall. People are going to look at you and, if they tell you you have bad gear, they will be right. The idea isn't to defend full Perle, or rationalize it. The idea is to accept that it is bad gear and put forth a personal effort to get rid of it for better gear. AF3+1 seals can be quested solo if your playtime is minimal, and for those with more playtime, shout groups for Seal NMs are fairly common. In most cases, once you have even 1 piece of AF3+1, full Perle loses most all of its usefulness and you'll be better off mixing and matching it with Dusk Gloves, Walahra Turban, and other such pieces.

[Harpalina]

^ I agree with the above. My BLM set is dreadful... But I still pull tons of hate due to uber Atmas! lol.

[Bhrams]

AF3+1 seals can be quested solo if your playtime is minimal, and for those with more playtime, shout groups for Seal NMs are fairly common. .

This is true, but the drop rate for seals can be a headache, let alone, you may get the wrong type of seal. IMO they should have job related quests for seals if you want to get the proper one accordingly. But, SE is making new quests to obtain seals, so let's keep our fingers crossed.

As for the second half of the statement, it may just be Shiva server, but 90% of shout groups end in fail. At least from what I have experienced it does. I've learned to stray from that path.

[Greatguardian]

This is true, but the drop rate for seals can be a headache, let alone, you may get the wrong type of seal. IMO they should have job related quests for seals if you want to get the proper one accordingly. But, SE is making new quests to obtain seals, so let's keep our fingers crossed.

As for the second half of the statement, it may just be Shiva server, but 90% of shout groups end in fail. At least from what I have experienced it does. I've learned to stray from that path.

I don't participate in shout groups at all, so I wouldn't know. I just figured, since it seemed so popular, that something was coming out of it. Alternatively, solo'ing quests for Abyssites (Merit/Furtherance/Lunar especially) and grabbing the better Atmas in some way would pretty much allow anyone to carry a shout group if they had to.

[Bhrams]

It seems to me most shout groups are people who leeched to 90, have no atma or have no idea how to proc anything.

[Greatguardian]

It seems to me most shout groups are people who leeched to 90, have no atma or have no idea how to proc anything.

Sounds about right for pretty much every shout group ever made since 2003, lol. Honestly, I'd recommend avoiding them like the plague if people had the option, and just go do things with 1-2 friends who can play well. Whenever I do that, though, I get people coming out up in arms about how it's impossible and I'm an elitist etc etc. If shout groups are all someone can find, it's better than sitting in Jeuno and doing nothing. If one does have a couple solid friends with a healthy job combination between them, it's definitely less of a headache to just go that route.

[Alderin]

Agreed again. I stay away from shout groups for the above reasons.

[Bhrams]

Just before I get any hate comments, I'm not trying to sound eliteist, if you wanna leech a job, fine. Just don't do it on a job you have no idea how to play or need the skills for. Can't leech NIN or BLU from 30 to 90 and expect to have the Ninjitsu or Blue Magic skill to do things right. /sigh.

[Alderin]

I also wouldnt go as far to say it's "bad" gear. It is just not ideal in most circumstances.

My DRG was my first high level job. I got to 80, equipped a pearle set then moved onto a different job.

Admittedly my DRG is still in full pearle because I don't find there is a need to upgrade it just yet - since Nin (which is my other main) has a lot more use, and until I am 100% satisfied with my ninja gear - yes I will be a "pearle n00b" when it comes to DRG. Just don't ask me to come as DRG if you are going to whinge :P

That being said, pearle is a decent TP set for the sideline jobs that you use only as a backup / special events & occasions where you need something specific. Sure I would love to eventually gear up DRG but at this stage there truly is no point.

[Sagian]

What about people who don't have Abyssea for one reason or another? How do they do better than Pearle?