FF14 is not made for hardcore players.

[Shin96]

i mean this is true, but ultimately that wasn't the argument being made against. the context of that statement was the "best and brightest" statement. Being good at video games is something important to the individual, but games shouldn't be made for the "best of the best". there's a basic expectation of competence sure (though in my personal experience, i tend to find people having toxic overly-high-standards is FAR more common than someone simply being opposed to learning the basics), but ultimately games shouldn't be made so only the people who are "willing to put in the effort" will be able to get anywhere. Being good at video games is a skill yeah, and at some level it's worth noting, but it's not a skill that should be used to push people out of playing a thing. Same way that yeah, there's merit in being good at art and comedy, but being good at those things isn't a prerequisite for enjoying yourself with them.

There's a place or room for every player. People shouldn't be locked out of content on their level of skills alone however, the same goes for toxic casualism. It's more common nowadays.

As for effort... well, life is effort. Some people argue it's a game and fantasy so why bring in the real-life counterpart of working. Others argue it's the only way to be satisfied with your rewards. The developers have to figure out the balance here.