I'm considering joining a Free company, but I wasn't sure if there is an incentive to join a free company that is (mostly) aligned with one of the grand companies.

1. Is there a point of Grand Companies in mid-late game... at all?
2. Are DoH meant mostly for mending (except CUL) and getting GC seals?
3. The only point in capping levels for beginner jobs are for skills?
4. Is it better for farm gear for the class you aren't playing (i.e. I farm gear for my future monk on my Conj)?
5. Is there a point playing a beginner class at endgame?
6. I just begin the arduous task of getting enough seals to get a choco license which means I've started crafting/gather albeit softcore (I've played too many games where crafting is a time/cash sink. I'm deciding to stay away from crafting this time around). What other things should I consider doing, need to do, or stop doing?