Its ffxiv combat really so slow and boring?

[Kirsten_Rev]

I don't think I can tell you that it wouldn't happen because it sounds like a personal problem. If you don't want to do something, you just don't do it. That's about self-control. If you don't have the self-control to pick something because it's more fun than the alternative, then you'd likely suffer due to it. I understand the concern, though; I'm not trying to dismiss it. I think it's actually a valid concern.

A couple of things.

Firstly, I don't think it's a personal problem. Let's take the idea to its logical extreme, and say that SE went so far as to give us the ability to completely automate actions via programmatic macros, and also released scripts for every job to achieve optimal DPS. Alongside this effort, they release a statement informing players that the system is completely optional, and that we don't have to use it if we don't want to. But... the thing is, that's sort of hogwash. When you join a four-person dungeon and the other three people are giving you sideways glances because you're sucking it up compared to them, and that it's something you could fix with the press of a button? Well, the choice is no longer neutral at that point. Your proposal is clearly not as black and white, but I don't think you've effectively made the case that this system wouldn't significantly improve player performance - and without that assurance, it's not something that can be made truly optional, in my estimation.

In other words, the whole self-control argument works fine for single-player games, but notsomuch for multiplayer titles - at least not when one is grouped in cooperative teams.

Secondly, I think that this actually does relate somewhat to the OP. We've meandered about a good bit in the thread, and this idea did indeed turn into a derail, but it's brought to light the fact that there are a lot of different opinions on the combat system, and SE has to find a middle ground that's consistent for all players (your idea is a fun hypothetical, but we both know it'd never be optional). I think that suggests that perhaps the combat is about right. I personally maintain that it's quite boring (no opinion either way on the speed), but it's been interesting to read opposing views, and shift my thinking accordingly.

Edit / Aside: I'd actually be a lot more interested in your idea if it did do more to gimp the full effectiveness of various combos (for example, by not allowing oGCD weaving). I think there's an argument to be made for a 'training wheels' sort of mode that allows anyone to hit a certain level of performance in a relatively mindless fashion, but that also restricts them from ever achieving higher levels of performance.

This could be useful even for good players who, for instance, are learning a new fight, and wanting to focus more on mechanic dodging than on combo maintenance. Or, for people who are returning after a long break, and needing some time to absorb things again before tackling combos at level cap. It would also be useful for people who are just solo'ing trash monsters and wanting to watch Netflix more easily.