Quote Originally Posted by casker View Post
That's not even about challenge, that's about having to be 5-15 levels over the designated recommended level, which is just stupid. Having to be high level doesn't mean it's more challenging, it means you have to grind in order to do anything.
XIV was originally built around content aimed at solo/casual players, and is being rebuilt with both solo and party content in mind. XIV is struggling with an overall lack of content, and a lack of content for grouping in particular. There is almost no content for hardcore players either. What I expect to see on up until 2.0 is SE introducing content that appeals to the broadest base of players. To put it another way content that gives the largest number of people something to do while logged in.

I can tell you having seen this game evolve over the last 15 months that it is much much more functional for both parties and soloists post 1.21 than it has been since the launch. Hopefully 2.0 will bring in some content for hardcore players as well. The game needed these changes badly, so as inconvenient as they may be now they are going to make this a much better game to play in the long run.

Honestly I think Yoshida's team has done an awesome job balancing party and solo in 1.21.

I've played since open beta, and I am not unsympathetic to your predicament of not having enough people to group with. The world merger should help you out in this respect. Until then don't be afraid to /sh for people to do the quest with, or ask people in your shell for help.