I don't see the grand picture. Help me understand.

[DoctorMog]

I dont think:

I don't think "This game needs some solid, already tested, mechanics. Ones people know, ones people agree are staples to the MMO genre" will bring many people to the game. If people wanted established they would play an already established game.

because if innovation was what people wanted, FFXIV wouldn't be where it is now. FFXIV started "too far outside normal MMO's rules" and for that, its paid dearly.


And as for:

Finally, having crafted gear that's sometimes better or equal to raid gear is a good thing for crafters. It gives an incentive to people to level DoH and in turn level DoL for the materials and give a backbone to the economy.

Why even raid? Hell why even put raids in the game? I can just sit in town and get the best gear. Never kill a single monter.

Right now, the only reason we kill Ifrit is because the weapons look good. They are no better than double materia'd crafted items. Plus, crafting an item is 100% chance to make the item and 19% chance to double materia it (in 10-15 minutes?).

Getting a (WORSE item) Ifrit drops are 5% droprate for 30 minutes of work, a HIGH chance at failure, an even higher chance to get DOUBLE items you already have, and prereq quests up the wazoo. Not to mention you need multiple jobs at 50 to accomplish it regularly. Oh and not to mention 7 OTHER people who have all of the above mentioned, and aren't a complete Derp.

Where is the balance of effort vs reward?

So, triple the effort needed by raiding, times 7 other people, for worse items.

Where is the balance here?

I am so confused....