Square you need to streamline the main story

[Berethos]

and lacked a full picture vision.

That I disagree with, at least in terms of story - nearly every bit of the 2.x series is clearly connected to a specific character development that improves later story developments, to one of the four major story arcs being told (two of which are the foundation for the upcoming expansion), or exist as obvious intentional pacing - good stories aren't high action with no downtime, there are ebbs and flows.

You don't like them or enjoy them, I get that, but you're mistaking your dislike for them as a judgment of their quality.

[Ama_Hamada]

but you're mistaking your dislike for them as a judgment of their quality.

I take it something of the likes of FFIX, the first matrix, or sixth sense is mind blowing then (did you pick up on the red color clues? ;p)
the 50s was a chore, mostly, there was some neat tataru things for change of pace but other that that, zzzzzz

[Berethos]

I take it something of the likes of FFIX, the first matrix, or sixth sense is mind blowing then (did you pick up on the red color clues? ;p)
the 50s was a chore, mostly, there was some neat tataru things for change of pace but other that that, zzzzzz

Shakespeare and Tolkien are more my speed, thanks.

I'm not surprised you misinterpreted my meaning. I did not pronounce my own judgement of the quality, I merely pointed out that not liking it doesn't mean that it is bad, which is an all too common mistake. I don't care for any number of high quality TV shows that exist right now, and I can recognize their quality without thinking that watching them is worth my time.

I'm also not surprised that you responded to a sub-point of mine rather than the main point - namely that the absolutely did add the things in the 2.x series with a vision for the future - this is something I can absolutely back up with evidence against your opinion.

Also, really? One of the few bits of 2.x that is actually legitimate filler (you go and do stuff and then end up right where you started and you can remove it without it impacting things that come after), the Tataru stuff, are the things you find interesting? So, what, you want to trim down the plot relevant stuff and leave the actual filler untouched?

[Lexia]

??? no idea, and it shouldn't matter. If you mean I out leveled the pace of the MSQ clearly I did, the 50's takes too long

They don't really take that long if put your mind to it, if you keep telling yourself it junk and takes too long then yea you going to have a bad time.

[Dameron]

I don't understand the big deal. Sure, having to go through such a long story again when you make a second character might be a hassle, but why make a second character to begin with? You can already roll any class you want on one single character, you get a free Fantasia as a subscription reward if you regret picking the race you rolled, and there's really no sense in rolling a second character when you've already capped all of the classes on your main character.

As for first-time players, it's all completely new content for them. Why would they want to skip past that to begin with? FFXIV is a heavily story-driven MMO, if they just want some nonsensical crap with no plot and just pressing buttons for loot, then they might as well just go play WoW.

[LunaFaye]

I don't understand the big deal. Sure, having to go through such a long story again when you make a second character might be a hassle, but why make a second character to begin with

Raiding
Serious raiders mostly have more than one character and also mostly on different servers, during downtime of the main static, they can hop on their alt and help other players and friends, or just enjoy having a second and third raid group in general, so they won't get bored in the game while waiting for other patches etc. Having an alt in the party that knows the full fight, but hasn't cleared for that week, means more loot at the end.

Crafting
Serious crafter's do have occasionally alts, especially when it comes to specialist as introduced at the beginning of HW. SB might keep that concept and even if not, and HW already dropped some of the pre requirements on recipes, it never hurts to make more money and in some cases even run the whole market, depending on the item and the demand of course, without having to rely on others.

Other data centers
Before switching to other data centers, some people like to look at the server and the data server itself, before paying the $18.

Lore
Some people are extremely into lore, these people will also make another character to experience specific changes in story/glamour/jobs etc that wouldn't have the same ambient because there are some regulations in the game, that won't let you re experience specific instances/quests/cut scenes are different too, even tho you can re watch them it might not be the right "role" displayed etc.

That are only a couple of examples, but it's never bad to have more then one character.

[LaylaTsarra]

I've taken a few alts though story. I love my alts although I wish they could share things and not have to redo it all.

[LunaFaye]

I've taken a few alts though story. I love my alts although I wish they could share things and not have to redo it all.

Seeing that screenshot I don't know why but first thing that comes to my mind is that damn song, Mamo Nr5. Thx for putting that in my head all day.

[Moonlite]

"Pointless."

Ya'll keep using that word. I don't think it means what you think it means.

without force, meaning, or relevance

If they find the MSQ that is loved by so many to have no relevance on their gameplay, force to move them, or meaning into why they pay a sub. I think they understand very well.

To the OP. The game has either been designed in a way where they have issues fixing stuff. Which has been evident by other issues. Two they have a financial gain from selling you an item. Three the player base if not large has a very vocal group that thinks MSQ should trump any other enjoyment other players might have.

[Dameron]

Snip

Well, I guess you do make a few valid points... Though all of those kinds of players really sound like the minority.

I don't know, it still really doesn't strike me as a neccesary design option when it only caters to such a miniscule amount of players. I suppose Square could look into checking out some solutions, but I firmly believe that new players should always have to experience the full and complete story.