The DD WAR: Crit build vs Stat/ATK Build - Which is better?

I've heard mixed reactions. Taking out GC and Darklight sets, I've had people tell me a Crit setup is useless without capping stats, but the only way to do that is via darklight pieces and some godly triple/quadriple melds. (If not, please help me out with a setup example)

Others have said Crit builds are unreliable and a DD build should focus on the raw, core stats: Maxing STR and VIT and then pumping up ATK.

Before I start getting further into buying and melding gear, what are your opinions and what approaches and recommendations should I pursue?

It's entirely doable, but takes a bit of min/maxing stats in a somewhat confusing way but I can't proclaim that my setup's perfect either. For me my setup is this

Storm Sergeant's Axe +50 HP Sanction: +40 VIT
Darksteel Haubergeon (+40 Crit Atk.)
Cobalt Plate Belt (+42 Enmity) / Veteran's Field Belt
Fighter's Breeches
Explorer's Moccasins
Cobalt Guantlets (+35 STR)
Fighter's Burgeonet
Storm Sergeant's Earrings
Explorer's Choker
Storm Sergeant's Bracelet (3 Storm: +7 STR)
Rubellite Ring +1 x2

Stats amount too:
344 STR (Can cap with Atk food)
310 VIT
499 Atk (w/o food)
607 Def
364 Acc
+52 Enmity
+70 Crit. Rate
+50 Crit. Atk. (Which could be more if I double Melded my body)

Ahh so that's how you got your VIT. Sanction.

But still, even though I am maelstrom, I'd be curious to see how a setup would be if you disregard GC gear.

Even if you disregard GC gear you could substitute the Crit power on the DS hauby for VIT and add more STR to your gloves to make up for the difference. You'd be out some Crit Atk. Power sure, but you'd still maintain the same Crit. Rate in the process.

Just to add to your original post, most of the attack based gear does conflict with STR and VIT pieces so your options to boost attack start to become limited past the hands, weapon, and darklight.

Sounds legit. I'll shoot for that kind of setup then. Thanks.

I've tried it, it doesn't work well on Ifrit etc. Cap your stats in addition to doing crit attack and crit rate though, and it should work very well. However for easier mobs, it's TONS of fun even without capping your stats. The difference between a crit attack and a regular attack (auto-attack) without capped VIT and STR against Ifrit is like 2 points of damage, which is obviously not worth it.

I'm working on getting a triple melded cobalt cuirass that will allow me to cap VIT and have some crit attack power. After that, I'm gonna go for some pants with at least 20 STR and some Savage Aim Materia assuming I can afford it, to top them off.

TBH, I think the only way to do a crit build right, is to get as much crit attack power as possible on your gear, so skipping out on crit attack on your chest piece shouln't even be considered if that's what you're after.

50crit AP doesn't take your crit damage past the floor (1.15) on boss mobs, unless crit AP has been drastically changed.