I do not mind having a repair system in the game - it's better than losing XP when you die. However... I have a slight problem with the repair system as it is now. It would be fine if your gear only degraded when you died, but right now, it degrades by just taking action and fighting. Maybe it should only degrade when: 1) you die and 2) when you are using equipment that isn't Optimal to your class. This way, when I am out and about grinding on monsters, I won't constantly be worrying about my gear degrading too fast and having to go back to town. This is further exacerbated by the fact that traveling in this game takes forever without chocobos (I know, it's coming 1.19), and when you are trying to save anima, it can take a long time to run back to your camp after repairing.

Also, I would like for the repair NPCs to be able to repair your gear to 100% durability at extra cost. Make it slightly more expensive than what a crafter could do, but not so expensive there would be no point. For example, repairing an Elm Cane by a crafter could cost around 1500 gil, and the NPC should charge 2000-2500. That way, if I'm in a hurry to get to a dungeon run or experience point party, but I notice my gear is already low, I don't have to make my group wait while I get a repair from a crafter or pay absurd prices for only 75%.

This is all just my opinion, and I'm still fairly new to the game. Thanks for reading! =)