Quote Originally Posted by Krr View Post
While I don't believe parsers are the devil that gameplay purists want you to believe they are, it should be noted that parsers for FFXIV access read-only clientside data that is invisible to the user in order to produce more accurate numbers, due to the difficulty in using raw text logs to calculate things like damage from DOT abilities is in this game. For a long time, SMN was actually considered 'underpowered' or at least in a mystery area damage-wise due to this limitation.

YMMV on whether this is appropriate or ethical behavior, but we have been told that a modding API would allow players to access clientside data like this.
That does go into a bit of a gray area or even pandora's box. I'd have to see exactly how these parsers access the information, and how they display it. To be perfectly honest, I haven't delved into downloading parsers for FFXIV yet since ACT hasn't made a plugin yet. ACT is the parser typically used for Everquest 2.

I can see where using log files would be difficult to get accurate results. For many years the parsers for EQ1 and EQ2 haven't been able to tell you how much damage 'others' have been doing due to range limiting what goes into the log. I assume the same thing happens here. But to the general subject on hand....

What I don't understand is the disdain towards parsers in general by some of the posters here. As I have said, I've seen parsers or damage meters used in every other MMO I've played and never seen this issue pop up. You have players claiming there is issues with abuse. I've never seen that. Then you have others saying it gives PC players advantages over Playstation players. What about Teamspeak? If I jump into a Wolves Den match with my friends on TS and the other team is all PS players.. they have no chance in winning. Is TS bannable?

I think mountains out of molehills are being made here.