im with all of this it gives the game a pinch of flavor if not a spoon full, as its putting SEs Signature on their game and i dont think anyone here that have played FFXI ever complained about NMs being "Hard to get" or "Time consuming" as they are only extra content that you can skip them at lower levels and then it starts to turn into a hobbie or an addiction like Kaoz (if you are not familiar with his work Here.) and in higher level one of your goals is to get best gear so i see where NMs fit-in in this equation:
1)High level + Dungeons/boss fights (primal(s)) = Excellent Character(s)
2)High level + Dungeons/boss fights (primal(s)) + NMs = Excellent Character(s)+1
for the last one which is what we are talking about here:
3)High level + Dungeons/boss fights (primal(s)) + Rare/unique NMs = Excellent Character+1
the NM rarity and uniqueness contribute to the sense of achievement (which is the most important element in any game) if you walk around seeing everyone wearing the same gear everywhere heres whats going to happen:
1.the game will be dull.
2.players have no more goals since they reached the "top"
and i'll tell you the reason why NMs are not introduced and will not be introduced in this manner.
its because SE is working on the game to be Casual friendly (am not saying its bad) and its contrary to add Rare NMs that takes alot of time to hunt down and if you do will it drop?
and if they are introduced it will be in a delicate manner e.g. an NM that drops 1 inferno totem(chance) and respawn is 3 days or w/e duo/trio-able. it rewards the player who is into NMs but it doesnt affect the casual player much.
