What was Square trying to accomplish with the previous tome patch?

[Nichigo]

They gave us options. Arguably not much more...but I like the flexibility. AK has useful drops...and the boss fights are more involving. Some people actually like this.

There will ALWAYS be a most efficient way to do things. It doesn't matter what they change...people will always find the least effort-best return method for doing things. However, not everyone will default to that method solely because it's faster. It's nice that AK is still viable. WP didn't make it completely obsolete...so it's still a viable option for those that want a change of scenery.

[Asdamine]

WP is indeed the best place to farm myth tomestones for those who are geared for speed runs.

Also, I made 15k gil after 5 runs in WP (not including loot drops) making it an ideal place to reduce my repair costs.

However, AK will remain favourable for those people who are still in gear progession (and alt-class) to farm from quest gear - to AK gear - to Darklight gear. (I am leveling another class and I do not intend to farm for darklight gear, just sticking with AK gear, so I will be farming AK also.)

Whereas CM, it is pretty much dead in my heart but some people still run it for some reason. Probably down to individual choice.

Personally, I see nothing wrong with the patch. Just opening up more options.

But when some of you say the patch destoryed the in-game economy... well, I definitely see some changes in the price of philosophy items drop between 20-30% but that's pretty much it, as far as I could tell.

[gadenp]

WP Speed run takes (20 minutes~25 minutes):
1. Scorn Flash Tank
2. White Mage / Scholar (Cure 2/equivalent Spammer)
3. Bard (Mana Song Crocker)
4. Black Mage (Flare Bomber)

AK Speed Run takes (25 ~ 30 minutes):
1. Runner Tank
2. White Mage / Scholar (bored so DPS also)
3. Any DPS Classes
4. Any DPS Classes

In much ways AK, if more forgiving if the tank can run well.

Also the speed run timing are about 5 minutes different. Those that can do WP still in 10~15 minute are a rare breed, thanks to changes in dungeon.

Lastly AK allows more classes to speed run, while WP has a really specific make up.

For me, I run WP more nowadays because I can earn more money and... I got near all AK armor for all classes except for accessories...

Also before you get at least geared up with Relic/Garuda & full AK/DL gear, AK is way easier to run and more worth it then WP.

So the people that are crying that AK is now not needed are those like me that have grinded it to the ground (but I not complaining )

[paradigmfellow]

I have used WP as a way to learn how to be a tank.

[SorriorDragneel]

They gave us options. Arguably not much more...but I like the flexibility. AK has useful drops...and the boss fights are more involving. Some people actually like this.

There will ALWAYS be a most efficient way to do things. It doesn't matter what they change...people will always find the least effort-best return method for doing things. However, not everyone will default to that method solely because it's faster. It's nice that AK is still viable. WP didn't make it completely obsolete...so it's still a viable option for those that want a change of scenery.

I for one have also noticed a DRASTIC increase in quality as far as AK groups go via DF as well. More patient better skilled or at the VERY least better able to handle the random wipe due to getting lay(on ANYONES part) or not bicthing..All in all the AK community seems MUCH nicer.