So, why does the "light party to advance to the next stage of FC crafting" exist?

[TheCurls]

It exists to make you come to the forums to make you ask why it exists.

[seida]

Like, I just simply don't understand its purpose. It's especially annoying when you have FC members who aren't willing to at least spend 1-2 minutes of their time to serve as advancement fodder.

On the other hand, if your fc doesn't have 3 fc members (only 3!) who are willing to give 1-2 minutes...

What kind of fc is it? Where's the teamwork? It's 2 minutes max! Why are there so few members who care about helping the fc?

It's a really, really small requirement. If your fc can't meet it, maybe think about the type of members you have...

[Zfz]

It's a compromise between the one extreme requiring 4 "real" crafters and making them craft things within a tight time span that 2 of the best crafters couldn't possibly finish, and the other extreme of allowing everything solo.

It's a compromise between content that is relevant to its name (crafting) and accessibility ("why do I have to xxx to get my rewards!?").

[RazeLandale]

The point is to make it feel as you've accomplished something as a group. I think it succeeds at that.

Not saying it is or isn't right to screw smaller fcs because of it, but that's the point.

[KarstenS]

That light to full party stuff is total crap how it is now.

I really hoped for real crafting as a group.

But get 4 ppl together just to watch a cutscene?

Sorry. That was not what I was expecting.

[Tuathaa]

All party members don't have to be max level either just a DoH job

[Catwho]

I'd honestly like it more if they made said members do something instead of watching me finish. I mean, I am not adverse to the party mechanic, but when you literally just need three warm bodies to finish with no real context, it just becomes silly.

You know, you CAN ask others to do things. We usually split our work between 3-4 people - they get exp for turning stuff in, after all. The person who can handle the lowest level stuff does so, then it filters up from there with the 50+ blacksmiths handling the darksteel ingots.

Much more exciting to have it all filled up and then have the leader press the button that way.

[RiceisNice]

The point is to make it feel as you've accomplished something as a group. I think it succeeds at that.

Not saying it is or isn't right to screw smaller fcs because of it, but that's the point.

I have three other doofuses that are standing off screen as we (are not) look at the hologram flash a brilliant light. It's not exactly capturing the whole context of group crafting and at best, is incredibly underwhelming to necessitate a light party of crafters.

[Kiara1]

This is one of the worst ideas SE have come up with.
How my fc thought it would be: Need lots and lots of things so we need to split the work up to finiah fater. Me as a DoL only would provide them with mats. We would work together to get it.

How it turned out:
Oh yay we are finallly 4 online lets do fc crafting?
Person one from europe: just gonna finish this dungeon
person two from australia: if we hurry need to logout
Person three from the us: i can join your group and afk and hope i dont get auto logout.

So when we all ready: 3 ppl afk and one person turns it in. So disappointed SE ruined yet another great idea

[Atlaworks]

You know, you CAN ask others to do things. We usually split our work between 3-4 people - they get exp for turning stuff in, after all. The person who can handle the lowest level stuff does so, then it filters up from there with the 50+ blacksmiths handling the darksteel ingots.

Much more exciting to have it all filled up and then have the leader press the button that way.

I know. And I do! Other people in the FC actually want to help out, because I like my FC members. Doesn't mean some steps haven't been, and most people's experiences haven't been, "Get the boys in here to watch me press the button". It's underwhelming.