FFXIV is in a Prime Position to Make Some Drastic Changes

[Terribad]

Snip

But why would you want to do something strictly inferior

I think our definition of "cookie cutter build" is very different. A cookie cutter build isn't a build that's better, it's usually easy to play, requires no skill, and or some streamer uses it. Let's take Archeage for example, the cookie cutter builds there are DarkRunner and Primevil(sp). Those builds are not the best at all, just easy to play.

I could load up on piety as a black mage. It'd be considerably less effective, but I COULD do it.

Obviously the point is to use stats that could effect your class/job for the better. In Aion as a chanter I could go Crit/Attack Crit/HP and or Attack/HP 3 different builds (which there's more) and each one effects my class for the better.