skillchains were only a core concept of FFXI as a result of the players deciding they were the most effective way to beat content. when this changed, as things changed many times over XIs years, people fell away from using them.

skillchains were not the devs idea of the way to play; they were implemented, sure, but the idea wasn't that "Oh, to beat anything in this game you will need to use these". It was more of a side effect.

nothing else you responded to is really disagreeing with me, so I don't understand the need for all of it. I specifically address the RNG/Grind aspects of the game and why that's not acceptable.

If you have a dungeon, allow it to work so that I can log in for my 1-2 hours a day, do a raid, and progress on something I want or maybe get the drop that I want. Clear AV 40 times? Pick your piece of gear. Run AV 3-4x a night a few nights a week and you made some progress on your goals.

this type of gameplay also encourages pick up groups and strengthens the community. I don't need to speed run with my select few at whatever times they're on to get anywhere with my goals. I can shout, grab some people, get the win and make progress.