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

[Granyala]

They said that the new influx of new players is what keeps the game alive, i call that BS.

Heavy churn is quite normal in MMOs.
WoW had the same thing happen. People eventually quit and it's when the new folks start falling away that sub count declines.

Same weapon damage, horde gives one more magic damage lol.

Then the 235s are indeed suboptimal to a 230.

I do think 5 item levels is simply to little an improvement in order to feel a difference, so secondary stats win out.