What would you think of the original CLASSES being expanded into full JOBS?

[Terin]

Well, I still personally dig the idea. I kind of feel like FFXIV needs to "trim the fat", so to speak, and get rid of any unnecessary stuff, which would probably include the "Class" system, as it currently exists.

But again, why not return some of the base Classes closer to their 1.0 counterparts, which seemed a little more unique, and in doing so make them sort of "alternate specs" for them?

Like I said, I feel like the Gladiator could totally be fleshed-out as its own separate Job, with minimal overlap with the Paladin, or maybe even COMPLETELY separate. Maybe downgrade it to using "medium armor" shared with Dragoons or something (since my vision for the Gladiator is much more mobile and damage-oriented), making Paladin even more distinct?

Again, just a thought! I know most are more eager to get entirely new, classic FF jobs, but I also think FFXIV introduced some interested Classes of its own, and it's kind of a shame to see those kind of trashed in favor of nostalgia. Give them some love and make them unique in their own right! They could become just as "iconic" as anything else in the series!

[Bright-Flower]

Simply removing classes would be awkward for story reasons. Many of the job stories have npcs from the preceding class stories showing up etc. Hell the SB and SHB paladin stories are more gladiator sequels than paladin stories.

This would make it tricky to actually completely remove, or completely separate, classes form jobs. And also some classes have less of an identity to stand on anyway. Archer just...shoots stuff with a bow and doesn't really have much of an identity. Nor does lancer.

While I agree the class/job system as it is now is a little clunky I don't see an elegant solution and simply removing is probably more trouble than it's worth.

And IMO I'd rather they just continue to add new jobs with no attachment to classes rather than try and revamp the old classes into new jobs. And going back to 1.0 for inspiration would likely just make things confusing since the vast majority of players are not 1.0 vets that would personally appreciate this sort of move.