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How vital is it to keep up with Dungeons? I seem to be always about 5 levels over the requirements. I usually do them on weekends in the morning due to otherwise some possible lag issues (network related) and I don't want to be sub-standard because of that.
I know I am getting automatically reduced as far as the level goes but, I experienced in Fates were I am higher level, that I am attracting the aggro quite a bit more than at 'same level' instances.
Since it's your first class, you shouldn't grind FATEs to level. Dungeons teach you mechanics for different fights so at end-game you're not lost and don't know what to do. Also it teaches you to watch your enmity and attack same target as the tank so you don't gain aggro. It also drops good gears that you can use and get the gold rewards instead of white gears from quests.
It's important to do them, but it doesn't matter if you're over because you'll just get capped. Big drawback for you might be that any gear drops you may get may already be inferior to other gear you already have, or you may only get a couple levels out of an otherwise very nice piece.
Personally I prefer people be at cap or a bit over than near the bottom. Particularly tanks. I did Haukke and me as 31 BRD and a 30 DRG were completely overpowering the level 28 tank. Even holding back I was often stealing hate. I felt sorry for the poor guy. Not only were we 2-3 levels higher but with the job stat boosts we were effectively even higher than that.
Since you're DPS, though, I would recommend doing them earlier than later. You don't want to FATE grind on your first class to level. If you don't have time to do dungeons during the week then work on other classes in the meantime, or maybe crafting.
I used to snatch every Fate I came across until about level 24. Now I just do Fates close to my level. I don't want to level up too fast since there is more then just to stay with one char and level to 50. Currently I am working on my cross class skills and I have to admit, I haven't even started a job yet, just checked it out for a bit. Never mind the crafting part...good thing Winter is here soon ;)
Yes, the low gear drops are a big drawback. I usually pass on everything since the others can actually use it. I would just sell the stuff but one doesn't get that much for it anyway. Thanks for the info so far!