Quantity vs Quality Updates

[Ryuko]

I definitely agree that we need more mid-core content. For people who aren't interested in raiding but clear all the 'easier' content early on, there really isn't much to do. I realize that the new savage isn't quite as hard as the previous savage, but I do think it's still a step up from original Coil difficulty... and by the point it was released, many people already quit the game. Most people in my FC were mid-core players who lost interest soon after trying their hands at the first savage and realizing that they just didn't have the skill/damage to do it.

I also think the new crafting/gathering stuff has discouraged people from doing it unless they have a lot of time to commit to the game every single week. Binge playing every once in a while is one thing, but having to cap your tomestones AND red scripts (for gatherers and crafters) is quite a chore. But if you don't do it, you're behind (but that only really matters for battle classes IF you are part of the small percentage of people who raid). Furthermore, only two new dungeons per patch (as opposed to three) makes tomestone grinding pretty stale as it is. I agree that quality over quantity is the way to go, but I am disappointed that the new dungeons added per patch was reduced from three to two.

I'm not sure what the 'fix' would be for mid-core content. I could say make the next 'normal' Alexander more of the Coil difficulty, but I know they specifically want to keep that content accessible to all. I just don't understand why the had to make it SO easy that it's a pushover. Even more casual players would appreciate a fight that doesn't require more than a few pulls to understand. There's really no middle bracket for players unless they are hardcore, and once you do beat savage... now what? I felt like Thordan Ex was tuned a little too high for mid-core content, and Sephirot Ex's hard enrage was a little too unforgiving (when the fight was first released). Lots of raid groups had difficulty beating his dps check unless everyone was alive and it was a flawless run. With better gear, the dps check is a pushover. I feel like Bismarck and Ravana were more at a mid-core content level (when released). Don't get me wrong -- I love a hard fight, but I also like when my friends like to play the game, too. Haha.