I'm gonna have to agree with the OP on this one. I actually wrote a post last night on this very subject but I deleted it because I knew it would get a lot of negative feedback along the lines of "not needed" and "please, not another throwback to XI".

I'll try to explain why it would be desirable (though not needed) to have a /rest animation:

!st) I just don't like the idea of standing around doing nothing. If you are trying to regen HP/MP, you are doing something, you are engaged in an activity, therefore there should be an animation that indicates what action you are taking. Sure I could just use the /kneel emote myself but I prefer an ingame rest mechanic/animation.

2nd) For party play, back in my old Red Mage days it was always helpful in the heat of battle (when /tells can be missed) when I saw the WHM kneel down, I knew that I needed to step up and take over main healing for awhile, then when the WHM popped back up, I knew I could go back to Refresh Whore, Enfeeb Master and Haste Specialist.

3rd) When I am out Ranging on my Archer (soon to be Barcher?), if I see someone just standing still, I will ignore them as usual but now if I saw someone kneeling (or whatever animation rest is) I will know they they may need help and I would be more inclined to stop and ask or even help without asking.

4th) KO's and Res-Sickness is really gonna suck now. You used to be able to regain your HP/MP while running back to your Leve area, Behest, grind camp, dungeon, etc. Now you will either have to stand around at the Aetherite another few minutes before you head back or you will have to "rest" another few minutes after you get back to your camp. An animation to indicate you are not ready yet would be helpful. (Again, I am lazy and want the game to do it for me even though I could just kneel myself).

Now for my "lame-ass-easy-mode-casual suggestion/request: Since DoL are getting "Sneak" to avoid enemy encounters while gathering, I think it would be nice if we had a "Ghost Sneak Mode" after KO and while we are under Res-Sickness. Any action on our part should end the Sneak/Ghost Mode but while it is active we should not be attacked or take damage.

And since I am asking for everything on a silver platter already, make 2 different "/rest animations".

1 is that really cool "Dome-like" spell from the Opening CS Boat Ride which protects us from damage while resting. It would have to disappear both upon character action and also upon full HP but it drains MP while active.

The 2nd is the Ghost-Sneak ability that also disappears upon character action and when MP is full but it drains HP while active.

Just some thoughts I don't expect to be implemented but isn't this what these Forums are for...the exchange of ideas no matter how great or stupid they are? ;>)