I don't really think the op suggestions/comments are a bad thing. I admit, I am casual. I will always choose to be and prefer to be.

That said, ffxiv does feel a bit.... lacking when it comes to content choices/routes to take in order to achieve a specific goal and what we obtain by doing so. That includes not just the combat aspects but areas like the housing we have, limited glamour design, specializations that have 0 perks tied to them etc...

To me I feel ffxiv is so cool and right on the edge of being its best but they just aren't taking that final step to make the areas I mentioned BAM...FANTASTIC!!

Its like teetering on the edge of a waterfall....but never taking that plunge . Now granted I realize that the plunge can result in a possible 2 things, 1) a huge adrenalin rush and climax OR 2) death. LOL

Is the risk worth it? I say yes.
That's how I see our suggestions ,never a guarantee they will work out but until you try...you just never know. I often wish I could be in that developer meeting room and give that tiny "push" needed to get them all over the edge lol

It is like the are thinking "its good enough" and don't get me wrong, if that's their view then so be it, it is their game and they can and will do whatever they please...I fully understand that.
They have X amount of resources to work with and a specific pay out to make regardless of what I or any other player wants.
But since we really don't know the inner workings of the game or its financial status...we should be suggesting what we think may improve the game. (and that varies wildly between every player!)

So until they say it in a comment outright, players suggesting anything should never be backlashed by others, they are just suggestions....agree or disagree but it is never "bad" to suggest.

Nor is it "whining". I could say the same to those who see nothing wrong with the game...I could say they are mindless automatons lacking even the basic ability to have independent or creative thought by blindly accepting anything thrown at them.. BUT that too would be wrong!!!
We need to stop labelling/assuming/generalizing.

Imo the game is really good!!...just not great as it could be...it is so close I can taste it lol, it can be frustrating because imo, it just needs a final push.

And I think that's what the op means by depth. He is not asking to take way what I enjoy or even changing the level of my gameplay...he wants tidbits added to suit those that crave depth and more immersion/choice/longterm goals/ and perhaps control over their characters advancement with possibly some realistic perks that can could result in that.

Those that enjoy the game for glamor only...excellent!
Those that play to mount collect or pet collect only...excellent!
Those that enjoy the game for crafting or gathering only...excellent!
Those that enjoy the current gear treadmill/raids/dungeons only...excellent!
Those that enjoy erp only....excellent!
Those that play the game to get as rich as possible only ...excellent!
Those that enjoy housing only...excellent!
Those that play mainly to enjoy the company of their friends only....excellent!!
Those that play with a huge interest in it all....excellent!

and the list goes on and on we are all in there somewhere , a variety of bits and pieces from every possible combination.

The only missing combo are those that fall into the op category.

Don't judge what others enjoy nor why they play this game. My interests, the things I am passionate to change, are my own as are yours. D
I may be 100% correct or 100% wrong, until we see some changes its any ones guess.

Even if only 5% of people want more in depth gear stats, or ways to obtain items, set bonuses etc, whatever it is, I think having something for these people can only benefit the game. I try to always support different playstyles as long as one isn't drastically changed because of another.

I think ffxiv has done a wonderful job so far , I would not be subscribed if I thought otherwise, but to me it feels like it still needs to be a bit more polished, in every aspect of game play.

Some horizontal progression would not be a bad addition, not a complete flip to that, but some content should be there for those willing to go the long haul (even if I would not likely want to be a part of it). More depth/choice to stats, maybe merit points, a form of wows reforging etc, huge additions to housing design/player creativity, more depth to all aspects NOT just combat. I realize most posts are regarding gear only but I see a need of more depth in crafting specializations, gathering, housing is starving for this too, glamour, as well as combat content.

It all brinks on being the coolest but all are caught on the very edge of that...

Again JUST my opinion. I never debate, I have my opinion, I leave it, cause that's really all I have to offer on any topic. Agree/disagree, its all good