Required Class/Rank failed - Can we have Optimal Rank and Favoured Class back?

[Tsuga]

sounds pretty contemptuous. I understand not wanting to complicate the system, though - I don't like the current favored system, I just see a few virtues in it that I'd prefer to stay in place.

Like I said, I don't have a problem with customizing looks, and wearing what you want. I just don't like the idea that the entire system should revolve around that.

Having an already understood may be a selling point in certain cases, but I think having a unique, easily-understandable system is a better one. I don't think it's good enough to rely on previous systems whenever something new doesn't immediately work out. I know you're not saying that, so I don't mean to imply that you are. I just want to steer clear of generalizations like "this system is bad and that one is good", and instead pick out individual aspects of a system that work or don't work. FFXIV 2.0 has a lot to make up for to a lot of people, and that's going to mean having uniqueness with certain standard systems - the best of both worlds.

Gear accessed being staggered throughout the game is something that most people do not complain about as being "cookie cutter" in RPGs. Every RPG prevents you from accessing, or wearing certain gear until it is balanced for the player to wear it. The one exception I can think of is Dark Souls.

I see your point that a "unique" or "different" idea can be a good selling point. I just do not expect the dev team to reinvent the basics of how an RPG works. I am willing to accept the middle ground that they have given us - that being gear that is wearable by everyone, but is not something you'll want to challenge Ifrit in, and gear that you're locked into, but is what instances, boss fights, classes, jobs, and materia will be balanced around.