What Happened to Customization & Specialization?

[Gemina]

"Hmm... should I take rescue, or cleric stance? This particular boss has an insta-kill mechanic that often gets newer players, but also has an add phase and adding cleric to my AoE will help get through it faster"

*takes cleric stance*

*MT dies to mechanic. OT never leaves DPS stance. Boss goes bing bangy boom and wipes group before add phase even shows up*

"Shit! If only I had rescue"

This is an extreme example, so no need to scrutinize this situation but its bearing on this topic is to provide an example of this "player's choice" leading to kicking yourself in the butt. You think you have a choice, but you really don't. Not in an mmo like FFXIV, and the illusion of this choice is likely leading players to thinking they are being stripped of it.

To add, I never perceived role skills to separate one player from another playing the same job. It's how they use the tools given to them. One SCH might keep her fairy on sic, while the other SCH using maybe one different role skill keeps hers on obey. This alone puts miles between them. The latter example is a more optimal customization to the group.