The Real Problem with Parsers

[JackFross]

I can definitely see the case for public parsers, with the problems you outlined. I just have seen/witnessed SE's official stance on parsing programs to be that, while they're against the ToS, they don't REALLY police it too tightly unless you start to be a dick about it. When you start excluding people from content because they're doing low dps, you're being a dick - you're using information gleaned from a rule-breaking program to harass another player.

That's not cool.

And that's the primary reason I don't really want to see something like a public parser implemented. It would essentially legalize bullying another member because they're not pulling their weight. Do you honestly think the majority of the playerbase is going to say "Oh, try and do better next time" and explain/help that person learn the fight and improve? I'm fairly sure 90% of people would just drop the dude and pick up someone who already knows the fight and can clear it. People being able to see low DPS numbers in trials would cause so many vote kicks.

[[ Before anyone says "make a learning PF!!!" --- why should these people NOT be allowed to solo-queue in DF for old-as-dirt content and run it without knowing jack shit of how it works? Should they always be required to make a PF with people on their server to clear storyline encounters just so they can reach 60 and play the new stuff? That seems silly to suggest. ]]

Yeah, this is an unbased fear because parsers exist and it hasn't happened, but... if you do that RIGHT NOW, and are reported for harassment, you can get in MAJOR trouble if the person mentions you parsed and kicked them for low performance. :T If a parser is implemented in-game, that rule would be so gray and it just wouldn't breed a very... cohesive/friendly environment. And that's my issue with it.


I see both sides of the argument.

On the one hand, we do need an official way of measuring DPS so players who don't have access to parsing programs can self-evaluate and improve. This is good.

On the other hand, introducing a means of measuring DPS could essentially legalize bullying players who aren't optimal. This is bad.

I'm not sure which side is more important. A friendly, accepting community or a community with higher parity in the playerbase. Personally, I love the friendly atmosphere of the server I play on. It's a more casual place, with a handful of hardcore/elite players (whom I generally enlist to run important content with me). I love playing with the people in my free company, even if they're not out there pushing top DPS numbers and breaking records. It's a video game and it's designed for people to have fun playing it. I really can't agree that it's fair for us to dictate HOW someone should play the game, even if that HOW they are CURRENTLY playing it is "wrong" due to the meta that YOU play by.



Yes, there is one optimal rotation for Dragoon. However, no, that does not mean there is only one way to play Dragoon.

That's basically my whole point I'm making, here, lol.