Harsh penalty for non-optimal class and/or level [for devs]

[Reika]

This penalty is what was needed a long time ago, however they didn't have proper inventory space set up to implement it.

[Nakiamiie]

The problem is that there is not enough different gears available for them to be locking it down like this. It is too harsh because in many cases there are not good alternatives.

Idiotic move. They should have given us a greater variety of gears and THEN required optimal level after there was plenty of alternatives.

That could work.
Still, I don't like buying new gear for only going up 2 levels before switching to my better gear. (example: I play conjurer up to rank 9, then leave it aside for 2 months. Then I decide to give it another go with a friend only. -- Why should I have gear of all possible levels when I only need them sporadically?)

[Isaveron]

If they were going to restrict us to optimal gear, the least they could have done was give us more variety and choice. Depending on what level your DoH are, you'll need 2-3 completely different sets.

[Loony_BoB]

I like the idea, I just don't like the implementation. There is a lot of gear in the HIGH levels for many people to take advantage of, but when you have your crafters around, say, level 26-30, it is very difficult to find gear that can hold materia and will benefit a crafter. I think this would have been better if there were enough recipes coming in to cover off those that are being phased out.

With my crafters ranging from 21 to 31, it also means I have to consider having two different sets of crafting gear, which is a disappointment.

[Jinko]

If they were going to restrict us to optimal gear, the least they could have done was give us more variety and choice. Depending on what level your DoH are, you'll need 2-3 completely different sets.

This game is still in heavy development (beta if you prefer that term) so they aren't going to add thousand of types of armor just to satisfy a handful of payers when they have much bigger problems on their hands.

They have announced a mannequin system will be added eventually where players can equip gear to each class and not have it take up inventory space.

They are obviously working on these things you just have to be patient.

I like the idea, I just don't like the implementation. There is a lot of gear in the HIGH levels for many people to take advantage of, but when you have your crafters around, say, level 26-30, it is very difficult to find gear that can hold materia and will benefit a crafter. I think this would have been better if there were enough recipes coming in to cover off those that are being phased out.

Hempen Doublet vest lvl 12+

Cotton Doublet Vest lvl 22+

Velveteen Coatee set lvl 28+ (Velveteen Coatee, Velveteen Bottom, Velveteen gaiters, Velveteen Half Apron, Velveteen short gloves, Velveteen Wedge Cap)

Linen Coatee set lvl 38+

Whats more is that the crafting guild sell low level gear now so whats the issue ?