For me this patch is an improvement in gaining exp for lvs.
I was worried reading all comments before i tried the patch out but found that in fact maybe my worries where wrong.
I dont know how people lv up before this update but the change from 1.18 is good one.
My biggest worry was knowing the exp curve was massive compared to final fantasy 11 exp curve but maybe this can be adjusted if the lvs go over lv 50cap.
Feel of battle is also massive improvement over final fantasy 11 atm for me at least for this patch.
I like that i can go do the side quests and gain exp. i may be bit less motivated to lv another class/ job though