Quote Originally Posted by Nemekh View Post
I wouldn't call past iterations remotely close to how beneficial Shadowbringers release BLM's changes were. Lots of QoL and AF/UI's timer being further increased and nothing new was fundamentally broken in any regard. In fact the only real change BLM has had is the indicator for how many spells left can be made instant with Triplecast in 5.10. The job has had no underlying mechanics changed because it was that good.

Meanwhile, in Stormblood F4/B4 spells were 3s base on release, the AF/UI timers were shorter, the Enochian upgrade tooltip was incorrect (leading people to think its damage% was bugged/did nothing when it was fine) and Foul had a mana cost. These things did get resolved after the fact but it wasn't already in the best state possible on release. Even further down the line were potency adjustments done and the anim lock and speed of AM was made much better.

Heavensward's release state is harder for me to recall, I mostly have memories of not enjoying the old Eno B4 timer mechanic at high ping, the state of SMN and SCH's teapot Broil.
Perhaps it wasn't to the degree of Shadowbringers, but in general I recall Stormblood Black Mage players were extremely satisfied with how the class played and what the job received even on launch before they'd further refined it with tweaks.