I didn't mind the Optimal system. But it really was a change up from pretty much every other MMO that I've played. Most of the MMO's that come to mind have level requirements to wear gear. That's just how it is.

The Optimal system was pretty cool when stats didn't matter because I could use the same gear for 30 levels and it didn't really matter. Now there is a massive emphasis on the gear you wear and it really effects the gameplay. It makes crafters more valuable, in turn making gathers more valuable, which inturn makes buying armor and materia farming more valuable.

I agree that there are some inconveniences to the current system, but this is a result of being able to change class to anything you want. Where as other games you are locked into one specific role. Since I can be 12 classes on the same character I have to carry around more gear. At least they thought this through a little bit and gave up 100 more slots of inventory on our characters and made dark matter.

I don't think the Optimal or Required Level system ruins my gameplay, but if I had to choose between one. I would choose Required Level because it's familiar, forces people to upgrade gear, stimulates economy, and that's all I can think of lol.