I haven't played since the end of 1.0 and just returned. Overall I love the game as it is. The new class is fun (especially scholar) and the continuation of story line has been fun to play out. My question kind of is two-fold and curious if someone has insight on the change.

My old class was MNK. Gear only mattered so much, skill on how to position was more vital. Your gear changed which combos you went for moreover than anything else. Is there a reason they semi-eliminated that so gear mattered more and positioning and timing matters less? It still is a fun class, but seems less challenging to play well, but I liked the challenge.