Maybe I'm blind or can't read, but...

[Carpe]

I don't think character/race/gender changes have to be handled through lore at all. There aren't like race or gender specific quests that your character may have done or anything. The only issue I see is if you let players change everything about there characters they'll become unrecognizable to their in game friends. But, that's an issue people will get over pretty quickly.

[AmyRae]

If you need an in game reason, I picture a conveyor belt lined with all manner of circular saws operated by a scalpel-wielding moogle who always wanted to try this.

"This won't hurt a bit, kupo!"

...

Maybe that's a little too scary.

[Nakiamiie]

Hey gang, there was actually a post from Yoshida that we missed on the 19th that addresses this topic specifically (sorry for the delay in getting it to you all!). I wanted to make sure everyone saw it, and spoke up with their opinions to what Yoshida is discussing.

I'd personally like the race change. I don't want to start over from scratch if I see another race/gender combination that is more appealing and appropriate for my character. Hopefully, we can change race, thank you!

[Shipp]

Hey gang, there was actually a post from Yoshida that we missed on the 19th that addresses this topic specifically (sorry for the delay in getting it to you all!). I wanted to make sure everyone saw it, and spoke up with their opinions to what Yoshida is discussing.

Regarding the feedback he wants.

My $0.02:
I think it should be allowed when 2.0 launches, because there are people who are going to want to play the new races without starting over again, or people might just be tired of playing the same race/gender they currently are. Personally, allowing it really doesn't change much, and doesn't affect gameplay at all. I think it would keep more people happy (that have wanted to play male Miqo'te and female Roegadyn) and content than the number of people who will be stubborn and upset over allowing people to change their character.

[Coldbrand]

I don't think it should be a regular feature but I can see it being ok just this once.

[Nabiri]

Hey gang, there was actually a post from Yoshida that we missed on the 19th that addresses this topic specifically (sorry for the delay in getting it to you all!). I wanted to make sure everyone saw it, and spoke up with their opinions to what Yoshida is discussing.

(Besides the obvious one time change.. ) Regarding changes afterward:
While I would find it awkward seeing people change race and gender on a whim, I believe it's best to have options.
People make mistakes when creating their characters, and peoples' tastes change sometimes.
I would like to see race and gender changes be made available, but for a price, whether it be a large sum of gil, or real money (perhaps $20?).. I don't really mind. I also feel there should be a time period after a change that a person has to wait before they can change again. Hopefully these things will keep people from changing all over the place, but those who really want their second (or third, or fourth etc.) chance, still get the option.

I say this all even as a role-player. While it's nice for people to not suddenly become someone else, they should have the option. I'll just pretend they always looked the way they suddenly do now. XD

Edit: It could always also be incorporated into RP or the lore of the game for fun and chaos. >:3

[Yazuaru]

I love the idea of having a "complete character revamp" when 2.0 hits - If the world can make drastic changes, why can't our characters?

If the question is if it should become a "feature", I would gladly pay a price to change my character, rather than stick with a character who I'd rather not play as because I've grown tired of their appearance or name, rather than having to completely start over... Again. (I've gone through at least 4 different "Main Characters" so far already, and heaven help me when 2.0 hits and I decide to do it again!) Charging for it would prevent most petty abuse of it, and even if it doesn't, than at least they're paying to do so.

... Oh, and if we Lalafells could get some wicked facial scars like the other races, that would be awesome! OwO

[MartaDemireux]

Maybe when 2.0 comes out they could release a quest/event (like founder's day) where you step into a stray aether stream which subsequently changes your race/gender/etc. However because of the danger of the high amount of aether you could only do it one time or suffer a horrible cancerous death. Then they could ask if you wanted a new name for your new appearance.

Maybe make a requirement be completion of all of the coming 7th umbral quests between now and 2.0?

[Alerion]

Absolutely. Please allow our 2.0 change followed by a paid race change. I don't think people will be changing all the time at around $20 a pop. I love the option and maybe one day I'll want to be able to experience the game as a new race without having to lose my progress in starting all over. Really, I think it works beautifully with the way all accomplishments can be gained on a single character in Square MMOs.

[Lyndis]

I say when 2.0 comes out all characters should "die" as per the in game story/lore. Then be reborn, allowing for a one time only recreation for everyone.