Paladin had a good run RIP

[Kabooa]

Then you're already above the requirement and have nothing to fear.

[WhyAmIHere]

As long as *you* can defeat the SSS dummy consistently, then it's just a matter of knowing your team can as well, and that you're learning / properly executing mechanics.

[Crizhalid]

TIL as long as you have the meta comp, the run auto clears otherwise you're fucked upon entering instance. Thanks OP.

[Atreides]

Even the lower uh, tier of players push for meta.

Thats the biggest issue of the community. Plebs try to be pro and aim for the perfect meta because dis is da wae.

[Argyle_Darkheart]

Thats the biggest issue of the community. Plebs try to be pro and aim for the perfect meta because dis is da wae.

How exactly is this an issue (let alone the biggest)?

[WhyAmIHere]

How exactly is this an issue (let alone the biggest)?

instead of emulating the top % of people, just focus on doing your own best %. If that means you do best on a class that isn't "meta," which is fluid to begin with, just focus on doing that and not "but muh meta."

[Kabooa]

instead of emulating the top % of people, just focus on doing your own best %. If that means you do best on a class that isn't "meta," which is fluid to begin with, just focus on doing that and not "but muh meta."

Or they can git gud on a job that's objectively strong / stronger than other choices, and do even better.

[WhyAmIHere]

Or they can git gud on a job that's objectively strong / stronger than other choices, and do even better.

Valid point.
However, if you do not enjoy playing a particular class, like BLM for instance, you'll never be able to do as well as the guy who enjoys it and knows how to fully maximize it. Sure, you might be able to mechanically put out good DPS, but I'd bet you'd be hard pressed to find the top nth percentile players who play a class they don't enjoy.
Insert "I went DRK because it's fun" UCoB memes.

[Kabooa]

Hey, I'm all about that, and I'll endorse that. It's just a !@#%ty position to be in if you only have the time / inclination to play one thing.

[Narangerel]

Meta in most games usually only applies to the top bleeding edge of players. Mythic(WoW) or Savage/Ultimate(FFXIV) Players who do not have the skill level nor do the content where that 1% advantage matters do not need to rely on the meta. The meta is ultimately not for them, and the majority of stuff you can do does not need any meta to progress.