Please reevaluate the balance between crafted and U/U items.

[Cycloptichorn]

Because they could skip the content and just purchase the best in slot item?

You misunderstand me. What's the point of having 'best in slot' item, if you aren't going to do late- or end-game content with it? The answer is: there is no point at all. So, I don't see how allowing people to craft or buy great stuff is going to keep anyone from doing anything.

If they made a materia slotted weapon the best in slot when the Ifrit patch released I wouldn't even do the boss because there would be no point in getting his loot.

There already IS no point in getting his loot. There's nothing to DO with his loot. If you don't enjoy the process of getting it - and the challenge involved in doing so - you shouldn't do it.

[Bluetaro]

You misunderstand me. What's the point of having 'best in slot' item, if you aren't going to do late- or end-game content with it? The answer is: there is no point at all. So, I don't see how allowing people to craft or buy great stuff is going to keep anyone from doing anything.

I see where you are coming from here, but my answer is that the point of having best in slot gear would be two-fold. A) to make all of the current content easier so you could help others complete it, and B) to prepare yourself for the next wave of content.

If I had the best in slot gear right now you are absolutely right, I wouldn't be doing the current content again for myself. But at least I can use the good stuff to help out others.

I guess if I could purchase the best lance in the game I could just use that to kill Ifrit just to say I defeated him... But it just feels like empty content if I'm not fighting him for any rewards. Do you see where I'm coming from there?

There already IS no point in getting his loot. There's nothing to DO with his loot. If you don't enjoy the process of getting it - and the challenge involved in doing so - you shouldn't do it.

I agree, if I'm not enjoying something I won't do it. That's why I'm against making a purchasable item from the market be the best in slot because then it takes the enjoyment out of doing fights like Ifrit because he's not going to give you anything useful.