Why Are There Still Two Search Functions In-Game?

[tymora]

I can't speak for all servers, but the situation in Cornelia (at least, during JP primetime and for the JP population) is quite the opposite... it is in fact the party search function that is used more often compared to that of the player search function in order to form parties.
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JP event parties gets formed through party search before the leader has a chance to shout in town on Gungnir at prime time.

I personally do a party search every 30 min or so to see if anything is going on. I see NO english parties formed this way...