The Future of THM

[Klive]

There is a reasoning to do it despite this - balance. It ensures those currently in the "healer" class still have access to that role and gain a destruction-job for better versatility. Likewise the more aggressive Thaum can gain access to a healing job. Thus better player-dispersion is acheived and we don't feel locked into a "this is your only healer setup" scenario.

I agree. Lots of CON felt trapped as healers when the patch came out giving them Curages and new raises. Giving the more aggressive class of THM a healing option back would be better for the game balance. Granted, I expect when white mage is "equipped" to the THM, they are going to lose access to all their umbra spells and drains spells. Leaving the the astral spells, that white mages have always had, like banish and dia.

What a job is, since people tend to get confused on this point.
http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/t...form-Blueprint

The job system - that series-defining trademark - will be implemented in FINAL FANTASY XIV (details such as specific jobs TBA). Quests to unlock each job will become available once you have reached a certain rank in the corresponding class.
Rather than being advanced versions of classes, we would like players to think of jobs as specialized playing styles optimized for partying. While playing as a particular job will render you unable to equip certain actions of other classes, you will be compensated with access to exclusive actions, which can be acquired through quests.

In practice, players will find the existing classes effective when playing solo or in certain party setups. Jobs, however, will shine in party situations where specific skill sets are demanded.