I find it amazing I need so many things just to play the game reliably (PS4)

[ManuelBravo]

Stormblood is an amazing expansion that has been punched, stabbed and otherwise ruined by server shenanigans like poor capacity or DDoS attacks.

What else is going to happen? That I can't play at all unless I move to a pre-specified server? Come on people, things need addressing and fast!

Come on really? I don't even know were to start with this. IF you don't understand how the modes for your PS4 I would really suggest reading the instruction manual or getting a dictionary out and translate the screen when you place it in power saving mode.

IF you think you need a VPN service ( Its an option. )your wrong there a lot of factors that can affect your connection. Downloading updates while playing, other users on different internet needed devices that eat up your bandwidth. I have a dedicated line for my gaming and thankfully don't share it. I don't use other services, and connections have improved since early release so issues are being address. Also SE isn't forcing anyone it's called an OPTION with an incentive for the inconvenience. If your fairly new to online games and expansions for gaming consoles it makes sense you would feel this way. However this is a pretty common thing for new releases and over the years , it has gotten better. DDos attacks are just trolls that have nothing better to do or try to prove themselves in the underground which is kind of sad. Well GL to you and please take some responsibility for your actions and read the instruction manual if simple things don't make sense to you. I know we all think it's common sense but common sense is a dieing trait now a days. No offense but come on !!