So after the first Relic...

[JonBigwood]

I believe they are easing the atma rate drop very soon. I'm just waiting.

I think the same. Getting a Zenith now is so so much easier than it was. When new upgrades of the relic come, the older ones are going to be eased, I think, so that new players can catch up without a lot of difficulty. Not only the atmas, I suppose the animus and novus will be made easier eventually.

Right now the Novus not only needs a lot of time commitment, but also a lot of gil for classes that need to infuse Determination or other expensive materia.

Until it's easier, like other people said, getting the soldiery weapon and upgrading for the alt classes is the best option. It also needs time since 1300 soldiery tomes are 3 weeks until the 450 cap is removed.