Item Levels

[Nebo]

Flawed logic on most those REM leader posts. Having REM doesn't make anyone a good player or leader. Being a good leader has nothing to do with having a REM. Being a good player also has nothing to do with having REM. I've seen plenty of bad players with REM. Obtaining a REM doesn't automatically make you a good player.

I didn't say any of that. What I said was that good leaders, people with knowledge, confidence and skill to form groups and lead people with success, tend to be R/M/E holders.

They generally have the means, knowledge and motivation to acquire them...since they are (were?) the best weapons in the game.

I agree that it is incorrect to say that R/M/E causes skill+leadership+motivation. But I would be comfortable in saying that skill+leadership+motivation causes R/M/E more often than not (most of these types strive for the best).

And this leadership problem is not only for shout groups, but also for established linkshells. Many times, when leadership leaves, shells fall apart..more people have nothing to do with friends they've been playing with for years...causing more players to unsubscribe.

No, not all leaders currently have R/M/Es. But if the ones that do have R/M/E leave due to anger or burnout or "what's the point", after this new philosophy of "release gear and out-date it a month later," FFXI will be MUCH worse off.

These are the people that pave the way and post all the battle strategies you read about. These are the people that care about this game and spreading information and strategy. These are the people that organize and motivate people to accomplish larger goals.

Losing them will do nothing but hurt Vana'diel, and killing R/M/E will have a negative effect on the economy for everyone.