lol after reading this thread if anyone knows any mmo that's not either in easy mode or headed to it like this one please let me know so I can check it out. I stuck with FFXI for so many years over other mmos because I like challenge in my games throughout the entire game but that is just my preference.

As far as obtaining gear goes yes it is leading to inbalance but there is hope they will fix this in coming updates especially to trials. Old gear that took so much effort should be better than something that takes less effort. The trials added to keep the uber weapons of old should be updated to actually keep them comparable at the moment they are lacking.