Only 2/5 Endgame content currently viable, why?

[Viridiana]

Batraal has lots of good gear. It is definitely a fun fight.

He does? You do remember that when the fight came out, there was a lot of debate as to whether or not his gear was even better than +2 gear that already existed? As I recall the only clear winner was for MRD tanks, because the Canopus Bill had the most Parry of any weapon at the time; but that's no longer true, either. And, of course, materia makes crafted gear the undeniable winner.

I will grant it's a fun fight, but people don't do old content just because it was a fun fight if there's new content that is also fun and has better rewards.

[Zoltan]

He does? You do remember that when the fight came out, there was a lot of debate as to whether or not his gear was even better than +2 gear that already existed? As I recall the only clear winner was for MRD tanks, because the Canopus Bill had the most Parry of any weapon at the time; but that's no longer true, either. And, of course, materia makes crafted gear the undeniable winner.

I will grant it's a fun fight, but people don't do old content just because it was a fun fight if there's new content that is also fun and has better rewards.

Canopus Shield has 122 block rate which is the highest in the game. Can't beat that with any materia.

Revolutionary's Bilaud is nice for CNJ Int : +5, Mnd : +5, Pty : +5,
Magic Accuracy : +4, Magic Evasion : +4, Parry : +4.

Yes, you can beat that with materia, but it's still good.

[Viridiana]

Canopus Shield has 122 block rate which is the highest in the game. Can't beat that with any materia.

Revolutionary's Bilaud is nice for CNJ Int : +5, Mnd : +5, Pty : +5,
Magic Accuracy : +4, Magic Evasion : +4, Parry : +4.

Yes, you can beat that with materia, but it's still good.

Canopus Shield does indeed have the highest block rate, and, indeed, you can't buff that any higher on other shields with materia. . . but you can boost defense or HP. Although, hey, if you need a DPS shield, that +2 STR is on there (lol DPS Gladiators). . .

As for Revolutionary's Bliaud, that's not Batraal gear. You can get that without fighting a single enemy in the dungeon.