Hi Jimsvaliant.

What did you think of the Battle System / Crafting System / Gathering System?

Yeah this game didn't have a tutorial for a long time and most people had to figure it out themselves or give up along the way.

Like you said, this game is heavily community focused.

Anything you want to do in this game is significantly easier with the aid of another, especially when it comes to crafting.
(Craft, Repair, Melding ect)

Overall your experience seems like a positive one so far.

Welcome to FFXIV.