The Other Side of The (Raid) Force

[Vespar]

Would it really be so bad to allow players to start the quest chain for raids and then be given the option? "I don't like raiding, so just let me do little tasks outside the raid to see the cutscenes" or "Heck no, I want the challenge. Let me at 'em!"

Where is the reward and sense of accomplishment from that? If I could just go out and collect some things or kill a few normal trash mobs in the world to somehow beat Bahamut, It would feel entirely lack luster. Raids are meant to feel epic!
I originally used to be on the side of "I'll never get this done. or It's too hard please nerf it" thanks to DF and all the rage-quits after a single wipe...but when I finally got drug along with some ls mates to a learning party, I discovered just how fun and entertaining raids can be. At first, I felt out of my element, because DF allowed me to be anti-social but, with a friendly and patient learning group, raiding became fun for me. It gave me the desire to want to better myself and my character, and when we finally memorized it to the point that it became manageable and beat T9 the sense of accomplishment was amazing!! I actually felt ecstatic. A euphoria I havent felt since my wedding. I was so happy that I was able to share in the experience and it made me realize that my ls mates had become close friends, and perhaps one day we could all meet and hang out in real life. I dont think some "little tasks" could have ever provided me with the same sense of accomplishment, friendships or reward. I wouldn't change that experience for the world.