4. make a couple like-minded friends to cover key jobs

some of the bc are unpopular because they lack good drops(shadow lord comes to mind), but most are just not easy to win reliably in a pickup setting at higher difficulties..

normal mode bc drop gear <50% in my experience(.5 gear * .2 piece you want / 6 players = 62.5 runs on average to get a piece like ptica headgear on normal mode.. when other drops suck people tend to group seacom).. if only option is normal mode people start to see these items as unattainable and don't even bother

however, if you make a static group and can win difficult(doesn't even have to be vd for good drop result), you're looking at like (1.25 gear * .2 piece you want / 6 players = ~24 runs to get everyone their stuff).. key difference also being that in a set group once someone gets a drop they're no longer after it

these bcs favor linkshells, set groups, etc.. this is good design, mmorpg are meant to encourage grouping and if you have a good group it lowers time shouting and you can enjoy watching your group improve over time