A fair way to handle item/equipment drops
Recently, there has been a lot of discussion on the best way of handling drops after completion of a difficult battle or during group content.
I am actually not in favor of a Need before Greed system and here's why: it has the potential to create drama in situations where a very rare or sought after item drops and multiple people want that item. It creates confusion where some people may have come on a class that isn't their favorite just to please the group. Then they may no longer be considered a priority for the item they want.
It also leads to Linkshells creating a DKP system. In my personal experience, nothing is more heartbreaking than spending a year or more dedicated to your Linkshell, diligently waiting "your turn" for that gear you want most... and then, inevitably, somewhere in the Linkshell, there is a disagreement, or the leader quits and the Linkshell begins to fall apart. And after all that time, you still did not get the main item you were after! In fact, you aren't even one step closer to it! I would like to see FFXIV do away with any kind of drop system that can lead to these types of situations.
My preferance would be more like a point system - handled in-game of course so that it cannot be manipulated. In can be tokens, in-game currency, fame points, etc. I personally enjoy events most when I get at least a little something each time I participate. If my group wins, the reward is bigger. And over time, I can save up and cash in on all my time and effort for a truly special reward! Similar to the Grand Complany system or even Einherjar, where over time I accrue points and then I can choose for myself what I'd like most.
The benefit of a system like this is that even if my Linkshell disolves, my progress isn't lost. I can find another group that fits my unique schedule and pick up where I left off - not start all over, waiting in line, hoping that this group can stay together this time.
Of course it might be boring to have all events work with this type of reward system. I'm fine with diversity in reward structures. But for events that are repeated over long term and have rewards that people will bicker over, I love an in-game points system! I really feel it's a method where everyone can just enjoy the game stress free.