"Open Style" vs "Rigid Structure" what do you want for the future of FFXIV

[Verecund]

The open style in FFXIV is good (conceptually), but it currently has no defining class characteristics / customizable variables built into it that prevent everyone from evolving into one giant watered-down pseudo class. Also, alot of classes currently have a great deal of overlap which helps contribute to this problem.

[Validas]

The open style in FFXIV is good (conceptually), but it currently has no defining class characteristics / customizable variables built into it that prevent everyone from evolving into one giant watered-down pseudo class. Also, alot of classes currently have a great deal of overlap which helps contribute to this problem.

^ This exactly. I for one started as a LNC and recently moved to MRD (in anticipation of the possibility of DRK). As I'm moving through the ranks, I've found the two jobs to be almost identical. The problem intensifies by choosing abilities from LNC to use on MRD making it some kinda hybrid DD class with no defining characteristics.

[Kiara]

I think both styles can work, but there are pros and cons to both systems.

This is actually something we've seen trending in many of the main Final Fantasy titles (and in RPGs in general). Do I like the freedom of making Cloud into a Back Row "Mage" casting Spells and Summons? or putting Cloud on the Front Line and being an offensive juggernaut? Sure.

Do I like Lulu being a crazy offensive beast, or letting her concentrate on healing and spell-casting with the Sphere Grid System? Sure.

But I also miss having Kain Highwind, knowing he's a solid Dragoon, and Rydia, my dependable Summoner. I liked having Sabin (FF VI) with his Martial Arts Skills, or Relm, or Shadow, my trusty Ninja.

I've enjoyed both types of systems, and I like some flexibility (like XI with a Main Job / Sub Job), but I enjoy having a focused, defined Class / Job more than a 100% wide-open system (where anyone can map any Skill, any Spell, any Attack at any time). It's more open, but it also leads to a type of RPG World that I don't prefer for my MMOs.