Endgame should be challenging - that's the point (from a casual player)

[Mawlzy]

So full disclaimer, it's been a while since I got to endgame myself. Last time was in the middle of Shadowbringers, so I have no reference of what current endgame looks like. What I'm criticizing is the sentiment I read on these forums. Reading that Dawntrail has some challenging content made me more interested to reach there and experience it, and I found it a pity that it's being criticized here.

This may be unpopular, but I believe the "normal mode" of endgame content should either not exist or be much harder. Content and story should be locked behind the hard content, similar to how Coil was in ARR. Being rewarded with content is more satisfying than gear, because gear is just a treadmill. Content has actual substance.

You think it may already be the case with raids unlocking as you complete them, but not really, because you already played those raids in normal mode and experienced some of their mechanics. If normal mode wasn't an option, it would motivate people to get better and push their limits.

You could find party finder groups deep into Heavensward and later for clearing Coil, and I believe mostly for story reasons. Coil brought so much value for so long because there was NO normal mode. If you wanted the story, you had to do it the hard way, or none. THAT is rewarding my friend. I get chills just thinking about it. It's a pity that doesn't exist anymore.

The MSQ can stay casual-friendly so there remains a linear accessible path. But overcoming challenge is universally satisfying. Even if some players aren't playing for that purpose, they should be satisfied with the linear MSQ while the game shifts values for other content. And they can do older challenging content when overgeared!

I think most of your assumptions here are wrong for a significant minority of current FF14 subscribers.

"Content and story should be locked behind the hard content." You're advocating gating the MSQ more rigorously than it already is? Kiss goodbye to 40% of the NA/EU player base.

"If normal mode wasn't an option, it would motivate people to get better and push their limits."

No it wouldn't. This is a game, not a career or an Esport. I can't imagine how you reach this conclusion.

"If you wanted the story, you had to do it the hard way, or none. THAT is rewarding my friend."

I can see how it is rewarding to those capable of doing it; a minority of the NA/EU player base. Given the current content balance, using this as a model would be a disaster.

"But overcoming challenge is universally satisfying."

I really have no idea where this comes from. There is nothing satisfying about overcoming a task that is tedious and unenjoyable. Again, this is a game. We're not attempting to pass the bar exam.