Quote Originally Posted by Elexia View Post
Indeed. I'd take this over throwing away everything I worked for within a month or two for yet another similar item with the same set of stats+7 on it though.
There's pros and cons. It also means I don't see a new event or new fight come out that has no items I want from it, as has happened frequently over the years. As long as there's a way to get the look though, I'm good (Something FFXI has only had for a relatively short time).

The best part about the horizontal style is, as you alluded, variety. Loot is more fun when you have to look at different pieces and compare them to see what works best for you (vs knowing the next thing is always going to be better and by the same amount). In this regard FFXI is pretty much without equal.

The best part about a more vertical system (for me, anyway), is less inventory frustration from not needing 132 sidegrade items to be swapped a dozen of them in and out at a time for each ability I have. Balance is simpler as well.

The best thing ever would be something in between, with a lot of statistical variety but also a more straightforward sense of progression. I don't think these things are mutually exlcusive- Post audolin XI has somewhat tread into this territory by use of item level, but only on certain gear slots. While some people don't seem to like this, it clicks pretty well with me.