I can understand that the playerbase is a monumental obstacle, but I don't think anyone can change the mind of that many people without some in-game intervention from the creators. I mean, we're talking about a mindset that has been around for several of years.

I also know how Atma has helped us in Abyssea, but I try to think beyond atma and of those leveling the job with no other roles available to them. They can't get away with standing in the front lines the way other jobs can. Not when people expect us to cover other roles in parties (roles that we unfortunately happen to be somewhat effective with).

Part of my issue comes from the lack of weapon skills. We have everything but the bread and butter sword WS natively. The equalizer was Chant du Cigne with DEX atma and a DEX build. I know some think empyrean weapons are easy to obtain, but I still consider it unreasonable that our class has to go several extra steps to start justifying a spot in the front. CDC should be the icing, not the base of the whole cake.