Positionals in the Open World

[Balipu]

I have RP / character personality issues with required flank and back attacks - "There is no HONOR attacking from behind!!!"

was the original learning curve, really that steep?

Probably not. Maybe they just want to make sure people can get to the expansion content quicker. Which is counter productive as the quicker they reach the end, the sooner they want more.

As for RP: Well my other character comes from Othard. Wutai, specifically. Her backstory was even mentioned in my spooky story contest entry (was one of the winners. yaaay). But now we know that we are going to Othard, and there does not seem to be a city, town or castle named Wutai.
So, what I'm trying to say is: we all need to adapt.

[Leowilde]

I dunno - I try to up my game by timing stun with the enemy's aoe and also using that chance to attack from flank or behind. Sure, I lose some dps, but it's also a nice opportunity to practice how to make abilities count.