Quote Originally Posted by Alhanelem View Post
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.
True. Something as crucial as an axe or legs that increase your pet's damage output by 50-100% shouldn't have been overlooked when it came time to make iLvl gear. It's really telling when items that are that important to a job's functionality are completely overlooked. I'm not sure if SE ignored those pieces because they wanted BST to suck or if they just don't plan / test things well. Both prospects are pretty disheartening.