Originally Posted by
SirDiscoFrog
However there are uses Ifrit vs Garuda, you just got to know when.
Garuda is good for when targets are constantly being switched and is a lot more helpful in AoE situations with the instant cast of her AoE and how its based off the targets position and not having to be in melee range, potentially getting hit with mob attacks or missing while mobs are being moved. Ifrit has stronger abilities and a quicker Auto Attack. The only thing making Garuda seem so needed is Contagion and the convenience of range. Ifrit can do more single target damage on his own, especially when with paired with certain debuffs.
However the problem is these differences are subtle and with Contagion and being a ranged Pet(and for how long Garuda was considered the go-to for single target when Ifirt had lower potencies and Garuda's AoE had a cast time kinda making the roles reversed), no matter what folk will flock more so to Garuda, shes not all around better per'say, just more convenient for many.
So yes while some are sick of Garuda being used 95% of the time that is a mix of people sticking to one regardless of the slight benefits of the other + the differences between the two options being subtle and in the background in a sense. However there are some who are actually are just sick of looking at Ruru, and some just don't like any of the current egi designs hence why so many want more detailing or for them to look more so like their original versions. Aesthetics is up there in the complaints for SMN, whether it be the detail of the egi design/how intimidating they look,the egi's size or it just not looking like FFXI summons, its typically brought up.