Quote Originally Posted by yasmo View Post
I mean, do you think the solo duty quests as they are now were meant to serve as a measure of competency? To me, that's not really the case (nor has it ever been). In my opinion, the purpose of them was more to showcase a cool battle or further the story with gameplay integration, not test to see if you're ready for endgame.

Most solo duties are already facerolls anyway-- you could *literally* AFK through the entire Hien roleplay instance and win. Putting in an easy setting will not suddenly flood your EXDR with ice mages more than it already has.
Do I think they are meant to be a measure of competency?

Well, kinda, but more no than yes.

I don't think it should be used as a deliberate gate for players, but at the same time, I would expect it to be a kind of "test" of the abilities and skills that are NOT directly related to roles.

Like, avoiding certain AoEs, acting appropriately to certain mechanics, that kind of thing.

A deliberate yardstick? No. A refresher test, based on what you have been experiencing so far? Yeah, maybe.

But is lowering an already low floor the answer to this?

How about instead having rewards for Stone, Sea, Sky? Expanding the Hall Of Novices and giving rewards based on how well you do?

Work at improving the experience for everyone, not lowering the bar.