Progression

[Zangetsu]

Do you like vertical or horizontal progression?

[xJimmehx]

I like both. Balance both in one game for perfection. Vertical until End Game and then horizontal during End Game. For example finding the BiS and picking materia for said piece, or choosing the best skills on the skill tree for your preference. Of course this isnt the only way to utilize horizontal progression. But its a fast example. I remember spending countless hours on trying to find the best rotations and strategies for a WAR and being slightly disappointing. Mainly it was because i couldn't cross class more skills and the materia system left a lot to be desired. But if they would ever change a few things I think FFXIV could do well with both rather than having to choose one over the other. Item levels are weird too..you can use materia to increase your strength on a strength accessory until its better than your other strength accessory, of higher item level. its better now, sooo shouldnt it say so? Maybe they should allow you to upgrade gear and have its iLvl change to be reflect its new stats.. :P Anyways sorry for ranting. I love this game and enjoy sharing my opinions and thoughs about it with others.

TL;DR I prefer both. Vertical until End Game and then horizontal during End Game. I dont really care for "Item Levels."

[Reinha]

A mix of both, as long as the horizontal progression part doesn't mean carrying multiple gear sets for one job and being at the mercy of RNG when obtaining the sidegrades.

[Alahra]

I like a blend of both.

I like when there are multiple gear sets at the highest level of power (more than just the 2 we normally have) all with varied stat combinations. But I also enjoy the excitement of building up to a new powerful set of equipment, too. Ideally, I think raid tiers would last about 9 months for me (with more bosses, of course), and we'd have more stats to choose from on gear, as well as perhaps 6 sets at the maximum item level (perhaps with interesting things like set bonuses and job-specific stats).