Theory crafting skill trees

[PyurBlue]

The problem with a skill tree is the illusion of choice; there always is an upper end optimal configuration that content and job balance is measured by.

That's only the case in a bad system. A good one will provide with an actual meaningful choice between balanced alternatives. I think something like skill specs (not trees, there would not be any customization) would be good for FF14 in allowing more diversity while making the game easier to balance. Instead of making completely new classes, we could have alternative forms of existing classes. This can be used to solve issues like those with AST where some people prefer the old card system. One spec of AST could use the old cards while another could use a completely different system.