Quote Originally Posted by Isala View Post
The point is, RDM is a special class. We all know it. It's part of why we all love it. No matter which way they go with our beloved RDM, even if we don't personally like it, it's not going to be something that a RDM has never done before. They've tanked. They've healed. They've DPSed. They've supported parties. The iconic Red Mage is a jack of all trades. It does everything. Whether the FFXIV crew focuses on making RDM do everything, or gives it an actual focus, it's still going to be a RDM. Might be a different flavor than what we were expecting/wanting, but that doesn't mean they've "ruined" RDM. Just means they went with something they felt embodied XIV's RDM.
By the same token, folks need to be prepared for the fact that, in an MMO, it's particularly important to avoid "master of none". Whatever vision anyone in this thread has in mind for RDM, remember that in FFXIV there will be ONE and ONLY ONE role in which it excels, whether that be tank, healer, or DPS. They will get, at best, a token nod toward the other roles; for example, a tank RDM might have a minor cure spell but could never replace a dedicated healer.

Anyone expecting a RDM of old who can fill any role competently, or who is getting all hyped up on how RDM is going to be able to fill any party slot, please realize that you are setting yourself up for some hard disappointment. That kind of RDM doesn't fit in this game (at least, not unless SE makes some pretty fundamental changes to the game that they are seriously unlikely to make). Resign yourself to the fact that RDM won't be RDM as you know it. It will be a RDM-themed tank, a RDM-themed healer, or a RDM-themed DPS.

And, in the off-chance that I'm wrong, and RDM CAN fill any slot, resign yourself to the fact that when you sign up on Duty Finder, you're going to be a tank. Every. Damn. Time.