Quote Originally Posted by NobleWinter View Post
I think there may be some real merit to your idea but I think the bigger picture is that they wanted both Tanking and Healing to be more accessible to new players. The aggro changes definitely made Tanking far more simple and pushing Healers toward healing with increased damage output across the game and simpler DPS options definitely cements the "healing" aspect of the role. Scholar is boring but much much easier to grasp and crossing from Astro to Scholar to White Mage is simpler than ever as they homogenized the skill sets so much. This seems to tell me they were more concerned with adding to the small number of Tanks and Healers without considering that the ease of play might not have been the issue but the fact that Healing and Tanking just weren't as fun or flashy as most DPS jobs.
I really fail to understand why all classes should have the same level of accessibility. Look at casters, RDM is easy to learn, those that find it fun do so for their more relaxed gameplay style coupled with their support kit that allows for easier clearings. You want more challenge? BLM with its casting times and focus on positioning or SMN with its busy rotations and weaving. DNC is the more accessible Ranged, while BRD and MCH are harder. Don't know the state of tanks, but usually PLD is easier compared to the others and so. All of these classes are fun and offer different level of accessibility for players while retaining their unique game play styles. I cannot understand why the decided to change the dynamic of healers. Before WHM was the more straightforward healer while SCH and AST were more busy or complex. I think having different jobs with different complexities is good for the health of the game, and the healer changes just goes against it.