Could have SE unknowing set FFXIV to fail....

[Welsper59]

FFXI was different, yes. In that players demanded optimal jobs with the correct FOTM sub jobs, optimal abilites and optimal gear with optimal gear for gear swaps,

FFXI was a lot more limiting on what you could do due to the players bias to a limited number of jobs. Then again, balance was a joke between jobs in FFXI.

If raid leader orders you to switch jobs or GTFO. Then are they really the kind of people you want to spend time with to make threats like that?

You just sorta described everything that involves setting up and preparation. Video games, sports, jobs, projects, school, etc. There's practically no difference in how the players acted in FFXI, compared to how people in general act.

I will agree that the balance was ridiculous in FFXI. I strongly disagree with the limitations though, even when imposed by fellow players. There were optimal setups, like anything else in life, but most LSs did not refuse participating in content just because every single player wasn't a BLM, MNK, or whatever was FOTM. What strongly proves that it was not a limiting game was due to the fact that you were free to do as you pleased. For example, you could attempt to solo or underman content without being restricted or limited in doing so. It was possible to utilize your class and your personal player skills in ways that you may not even realize possible. It was an open world dictated primarily by the players, rather than the devs... it was "free".

[XNihili]

You just sorta described everything that involves setting up and preparation. Video games, sports, jobs, projects, school, etc. There's practically no difference in how the players acted in FFXI, compared to how people in general act.

I will agree that the balance was ridiculous in FFXI. I strongly disagree with the limitations though, even when imposed by fellow players. There were optimal setups, like anything else in life, but most LSs did not refuse participating in content just because every single player wasn't a BLM, MNK, or whatever was FOTM. What strongly proves that it was not a limiting game was due to the fact that you were free to do as you pleased. For example, you could attempt to solo or underman content without being restricted or limited in doing so. It was possible to utilize your class and your personal player skills in ways that you may not even realize possible. It was an open world dictated primarily by the players, rather than the devs... it was "free".

When you have to farm for a full week for pop items, have to buy reraise 2 necklace, super duper expensive food and cap XP for the umpth times because you die too much last time, and if you are the leader you have to coordinate a bunch of 32+ people (and kill dramas before it happens), you don't want to waste one night for nothing. You really don't want that.
It's why FFXI endgames LS are very cranky.