One of the most fun parts about the "less optimal" playstyle of 4.X AST was the fact that it was a gamble. In the world of XIV 95% of all content is scripted, with there being a set path to go, a set group of monsters, a set pattern of attacks from bosses and mechanics. Yes RNG Bole or Ewer were not optimal, but you played the hands you were dealt and when you got the right card for any given situation it felt so god damn rewarding. When you got a bust it felt bad, but so does losing a hand of poker. The highs were high and the lows were low, but it was engaging and fun and never the same thing twice. The randomness gave it charm and the variety gave it flavor.

It feels like I had cable with all the international channels, some were great, some were trash, but it was interesting to see what they all had to show me. Now all I have is local news stations that all tell different versions of the same story all day long. It's predictable and safe and boring.

There seems to be a divide in the AST fan base. Those who value numbers and optimization above all else and don't care about gameplay or enjoyment, and those who enjoy playing the job because it is fun and interesting and offers something different from the other cookie cutter jobs that are straight forward and don't think outside the box.