1. sometimes not always the reason, hard to find 7 decent players sometimes, there is no lag and too many die 2 time and get kicked parties so really the community does it to itself
2. . . . not sure if serious
3. Taking the time to find a decent/chill enough group of players will take less time than earning the gil anyway

Also, inb4twintania mercs come 2.2, although already know some groups that sell them