Job-Specific (Artifact) Gear

[SeraviEdalborez]

That, and there is still the possibility of unique bonuses. The hands slots for mages at the moment are lacking somewhat, for example.

[Zahak]

Full set bonuses yes please. I kind of don't like materia in the game. I guess as long as materia 3 slots is impossible i'll be happy

[Griss]

Really hoping for some unique stats on the job armor that is just impossible to get else where for a while including materia.

[Jashynvald]

Really hoping for some unique stats on the job armor that is just impossible to get else where for a while including materia.

Indeed, that's where U/U gear should excel in. It should be able to do things with the slot you can't do through materia-melded white gear. Materia-melded gear in the 2-3+ range should have the torque of raw stat but usually only encourages a more balanced approach whereas substituting in U/U in specific slots should emphasis stat amalgamations that add up into something you can't get via just a full set of melded gear alone.

There is room enough for both in the game for U/U unmeldables and for generic meldable gear amongst various setups as long as drop gear deigned appropriately to encourage this.