Variance in player skill is hurting FFXIV's itemization design.

[Talligan]

FFXI, it always seems to come back to that MMO, has a deeper, more meaningful, variety of items to use in unique and creative ways, which to me adds a certain level of customization which would be a BENEFIT to FFXIV.

Eh, I'd be cautious over that. Due to FFXI's itemization you had groups requiring leaping lizzie boots just for an xp party in Valkurm. All those 'interesting' and 'neat' gear pieces became required for even basic stuff and since it was made super rare, only the super rich or patient could get them, effectively locking most people out of content.