Sorry for bump, I don't really have time to go over every post either so forgive me if I'm repeating some stuff.

My point: Does the class system restrict future jobs?

As we all know, jobs are based on classes, with around 5 new abilities/spells, AF and stat adjustments.

A new job branching from base class would therefore be similar, but some different spells/abilities, AF and some stat adjustments.

This worries me as jobs based on class will not be unique enough and class will always be holding back what can be done with jobs.

For example: Paladin << Gladiator >> Dark Knight

Unless Dark Knight was a tank, I can't see how this would work as Gladiator does not really have the right tools to be effective DD.

The class system was a nice gimmick but was not introduced the right way in order to be useful in the direction this game is heading. I suppose it still has some potential for solo play.

I doubt anybody would miss or even uses classes any more (except for a few fights). I personally would rather have interesting jobs as they have more flavour.