This thread is discouraging. I came back recently after a year long break.

I farmed Atma non-stop when it came out and got it within a week (though I died a little inside). Then I did Animus.
I heard they raised the Atma drop rates, which is good. And Yoshida said he understood the complaints and wouldn't make it as bad going on.

Animus books were great. No RNG other than having to wait for certain fate spawns (which isn't exactly RNG either).
I'm fine with RNG in stats or combat mechanics. I hate ring when it comes to rewards.

Back then, I accepted Atma for what it was, but I *really* hoped they would make it more like the books going forward.
Especially since complaints back then were that the Atma could take a few minutes to eight hours in one zone. Worse if you're unlucky.
My average was 6-7 hours of pure farming per zone.

I restarted as a NIN now that I'm back and now I'm not sure if it's worth doing with the expansion around to corner or if I could finish.