Hi Averix,
I understand you're jaded and upset, but your statement above is simply not true.
From Day 1 release until now, it has *not* simply been "bug fixes." I'm not a rabid FF Fan, but we've gotten more than just some "bug fixes." The streamlining of repeating Crafting Guildleves (and Crafting Synthesis) so you can add all ingredients with 1 button press is pretty big. The fact you can repeat your Guildleve attempts with 1 button press allows you to get through your Local Levequests twice as fast as before if not faster.
They added the 5 High Rank, Open World NMs, then later on 20 New Mid-Level NMs with unique equipment for mid-level players.
A bunch of new equipment and items that weren't available on Day 1 has gone in (are they all great? They serve their purpose, and are helpful).
They added a ton of Side Quests (with silly rewards, but well-written stories and dialogue) that have helped develop the lore around Eorzea and the impending Garlean Empire War.
And some other additions as well.
But is it "Epic, Dynamis-level Game Changers"? No, but it's more than "bug fixes" and they do add some meaningful improvements to the game.
As for 1.18, did you not read Yoshida-san's "Letter from the Producer IX"? Square is adding a LOT more than "just auto-attack."
They're adding in:
- Rank 30 Raid Dungeon
- Rank 50 Raid Dungeon
- New Frontier Quest Hubs (that look sweet!) in all 3 Major Kingdoms.
- Introducing some initial elements of the New Combat System (including Auto-Attack)
Link to his Letter here:
http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/t...805-02-2011%29
And in the new video, we see more than "just auto attack." It's rebalancing all Weaponskills and Combat Actions in the game for all classes for a new Combat System driven by Timers and/or TP/MP only. New Weaponskill Animations (which look awesome) and other adjustments (which Yoshida-san says we'll get more detail on in his next letter).
If that patch doesn't deliver? Sure, I think many people would quit out of frustration, but so far 1.18 is looking to deliver MUCH more than "just auto attack" from your assertion.
Thanks.