Well that's why we need a test server. But none of the devs are going to change it because they don't want to hurt their pride once it's live. They need to un-Japanese themselves over that, and fast.
I think XI is getting a test server (finally lol).

I think XIV may have taught them a quick lesson in humility.

I mean it appeared that way at first, but the hush hush production of this battle system is leading me to believe they're back to they're old "we know best so just wait" mentality. I think if the battle truly sucks it will nail this coffin shut. I hope they are aware of that, too. So with that in mind, I can only assume it's going to be "better" - maybe marginally, or maybe quite a lot - but I figure the majority will like it more than what we have, otherwise the game will probably be done.

I don't know what I'd do, but I'd like to think that after 6months of being on hold, being given something worse than what exists will really turn me off to what these guys can do and how they prioritize their production. So really my pessimism leads to hope because I assume (on some levels) they do know what they're doing. I remain patient for the battle system to start implementing.