Powerleveling already exists in this game as it is. No big deal. Also, as far as some other PT coming and stealing your mob/MPKing you, there really isn't much out in open world that requires tons of strategy to kill as it is. At this point in time, grind PTs are just run-and-gun pretty much, no real strategy needed. This change will add a new level of excitement in my opinion as we can now team up to fight those Lv70+ mobs I've been avoiding for a year now. Bringing down a level 80 mob will 15-20 people would feel like an accomplishment to me personally. /shrug.

I also doubt that grind PTs will die out also.. I am speculating that PLing in the fashion being presented will only be a decent option until about rank 35 or so at which point you have access to rank 40 guildleves and much more effecient grind PTs. With the implimentation of exp chains/mob links, I believe the reward for rank 35+ grind PTs will be greater than soloing with a PL considering it takes 50,000-100,000 SP to rank up.

I was upset at first but I'm not so worried about it anymore. Like a good friend of mine said, "I had been dealing with FFXI's system for 7 years now, I'm sick of it." Bring on the change. (and more open world mobs meant for large parties, woot)