Am I the only one with good end-game/DF experience so far?

[Rivienne]

So here is what I have found: duty finder group matters. Time of day matters. Which dungeon matters. I found out that during NA prime time, avoid duty finder like the plague. But that only seems to be true in certains groups. So I have characters in 4 of the different DF groups because I am so spread out. So in other words: some of the people complaining truly only ever see the problems, because when, and where (and what) they run they have a statistically higher chance of seeing it. Like all the problem players are running at the same time, in the same groups/worlds.

Does that make sense? I have had more good experiences than bad, but when I have had bad, they always seem to be in the same places and at the same times of day.

[Shika]

I had great runs with DF groups going through the main story with nothing but positive experiences.

I've been doing DF over the last few days for Garuda HM to farm weapons, and I have to say that can be extremely hit and miss.
I've been in fantastic groups where everything goes smoothly and everyone knows the deal (i.e. which tank is grabbing what and placing where etc), and then I've had some really bad groups where people say they know what they're doing and really don't.

It does bug me when if something goes wrong once, rather than trying again, people just leave straight away without even saying anything. I have often found that if you persevere for a round or two, most people get into the rhythm- accidents/bad timing can happen, we're all human. There are of course times when you have to cut your losses and the DPS simply isn't there, or people don't learn the fight (where to run to and when) after making the same error constantly.

I am kind of looking forward to the gear check for dungeons/raids; I have to say that as WHM my heart sinks when I see tanks in full AF gear and level 39 aetherial accessories for Garuda HM.... I have maybe had a few wins with PLDs dressed like this, but it was a strain and both of us healers were having to ride out Shroud of Saints timers with some close calls near the end. I do not believe that gear makes a player, but it sure helps improve an already competent player and ease things on the rest of the party. Spamming heals on a tank that loses over half their HP every hit is not my idea of fun. I'm hoping (probably naively) that it helps to improve the DF group experience for certain things, and prevent the arguments.

There can be some very nice, patient, polite, easy-going people to be found within the DF... but it's a bit like a box of chocolates (as the saying goes).

[AlexNiculaie]

I have been pretty lucky so far. Most things have been full LS/FC parties, but there have been a couple of the later storyline fights that we had to DF for a few extras. Thankfully, they were all pretty understanding. Had no problems with us watching cutscenes, and didn't complain when we screwed up, they even gave advice in a friendly manner.

My roommate, on the other hand, has had some pretty hellacious DF encounters; people throwing fits and dropping, blaming others for their mistakes, being verbally abusive towards others, etc.