Quote Originally Posted by Shadygrove View Post
Honestly, the problem for people leveling today is they outgrow their gear so quickly, it doesn't pay to meld it. It used to pay more for spiritbonding than the stats, but even with all the crafts, it no longer does.
Actually melding is MORE worth it now than in the past. Now that materia is removable you no longer 'waste' it by melding leveling gear. When you outgrow your gear you can take the materia with you to the next set.