Damage types and class favouring

[tymora]

Caster here so I'll just comment on the magical attacks.
On mobs resistant to the element, I get more resists and a reduction in damage, amount depending on mob.
On mobs weak to the element, I get a bonus in damage.
E.g. Casting fire on bomb > Casting ice on bomb
On mobs strong to the element, it can absorb the damage as HP.
E.g. Flans (Depends on color) - Cast fire when they are red and they absorb it.

The effect is pretty noticeable for magic.

I figure the same applies to melee damage.
Skeletons are typically weak to blunt so you can probably test damage with that.

That said, I think people tend to forget that all melees have a ranged attack as well in FFXIV. Lancers can throw javelins and Puglists can throw chakrams. Less efficient for sure but last I asked, the damage on the Ogre isn't that much lower than a typical archer shot.

I doubt a lot of melees actually use these attacks though.