We Really Need To Talk About The State And Path Of FFXIV

[Magic-Mal]

The biggest problem is that is stats simply don't offer that much parity. A MCH with 3,000 Skill Speed isn't experimenting with some new build, they're simply inferior to their Critical Hit counterpart. Theorycrafters have done extensive testing with extreme builds like you described. There isn't any that offers a benefit. For example, a Ninja who adopts too much Skill Speed will clip their GCD constantly, resulting is less damage overall. Nothing is gained due to how linear stats are. In fact, Samurai and Black Mage are among the very few jobs who can go Crit or Skill/Spell Speed and make it work, though they need to generally favor one of those stats not make and match. Ultimately, FFXIV doesn't allow for "crazy" builds and no amount of additional i370 or i400 gear will change that. You'd just look silly wearing gear pieces that are only a hindrance to your overall damage.

Lots of people out there don't go by what theorycrafters say though. Just like lots do go by what they say. Even if something is subpar, the player should be able to make that decision especially if they aren't raiding Ultimate since I bet even a MCH with 3,000 Skill Speed can beat Kefka with a team of other players with botched gear. Players with odd stats can make their own groups. Otherwise why have options at all if the best way to go is the way to go? Just have VIT/STR/DEX/INT/MND and call it a day.

Let's use MHW for example since it has a Skill system. The theorycrafters, math whizzes, and super skilled players proved that you could go out and beat the whole game naked with low rank weapons. Why have more weapons then? But we do have more weapons

The theorycrafters proved that raw damage is always better than elemental. Why have elemental weapons then? But we do have elemental weapons.

At least the players have that choice. Some will listen to what's out there, some won't in the end. But they can still beat the hardest content.