Or it could be admitted that maybe spiritbonding isn't the best system to introduce into a game and make materia (only) obtainable via other means.

Don't get me wrong, Syrcus Tower IS an an easy raid, and there's no way that a raid is wiping due to some guy spiritbonding (for the record, I don't spiritbond - not in dungeons, not anywhere - I hate spiritbonding), as it's all about addressing mechanics (which people are notoriously bad at in this game for some reason).

Ironic that dev team won't introduce arguably necessary elements such as dps meters so people can see how they're doing and improve - all on the grounds "it will incite conflict between players" - and then they create (and keep) a system in the game that ACTIVELY ENCOURAGES players to wear trash gear when playing with strangers, as if there's no way that would ever incite conflict with anyone.