Main Scenario Restriction Bloodstorm - Very Very Bad idea.

[Naunet]

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Very few of what you listed were blocked for real story reasons. Your second point is false as you are perfectly able to run out of the Shroud and into Thanalan regardless of MSQ completion. Access to retainers doesn't really make much sense being locked to helping the Scions with the MSQ, considering there's nothing in the lore that says they're only something the Warrior of Light can use - being of sufficient level suggests enough growth of influence/power. Personal mounts make zero sense, as I don't need a Grand Company's permission to use a mount that is not provided by the Grand Company (couerl, behemoth, ahriman, fat chocobos, the broom, etc). Not sure why you mentioned job crystals because there's clearly no actual lore motivation behind restricting that. Likewise plenty of "average joe" npcs can sail to and from the mainland to the Isles of Umbra without being a hero of the Scions - so why must we?

I've already discussed at length why I feel that the HW jobs do NOT necessitate being in Ishgard. It's not like we are unaware of Ishgard prior to HW - we interact with them through Coerthas. The 30-45 stories can easily be done outside of that (and in fact, DO take place outside of it).

Not a single time have I advocated removing story from the game. I've simply pointed out where limitations make no sense and where they can be reasonably lifted without affecting the MSQ at all.

The world feels alive the way the MSQ is weaved into everything. You are in this location for a reason.

Every location you visit has a purpose. Hell, future jobs might even comment on what you did in ishgard making the world you're playing feel alive and expand.

I can be in Sastasha (or whatever else) for a reason without having to wait for the MSQ funnel me there. The MSQ can ALSO send you there, but it doesn't take much thought to realize there are plenty of reasons to venture into these places beyond "Minfilia/Thancred/etc told me to."