Ardbert's Party vs the Scions Analysis

[DPZ2]

And the game isn't better off for their inclusion in the MSQ nor for the amount of money they likely took out of the animation budget

That scene cost nothing more than the time to code it. All cut scenes (outside of a few in ARR) are generated 'in game'. It's why Thancred has that wonky stutter when he climbs steps in Camp Drybone during at least two cut-scenes prior to your encounter with Ifrit.