Lets talk about the FFXIV player base..

[Mechnikov_the_Jotunn]

I think it's just two different types of players crashing together. Different philosophies which is why the gap seemingly can't be bridged. Some players who believe that the slowest buffalo should be catered to, and some who believe that the fastest buffalo should be the example. Obscure metaphor, but I think SE could do a little more to drag everyone closer to the center. I've experienced a lot of players who don't do their rotations, use CDs or understand their class properly.

The thing that baffles me is how saying that someone who wants a player to understand their kit is considered selfish and unkind, but that the player who wants to stumble through content is not being selfish and unkind by making everyone else play around their choice of playstyle. It'd be like buying a ticket to an event; there is an unspoken understanding of what your purchase means. Participation and not breaking whatever rules. There is this weird trend in gaming lately, that paying for the game means you're allowed to do whatever you want. You can buy a movie ticket and enjoy the movie, but you might inconvenience someone if you fall asleep on their shoulder ten minutes in.

I agree the range of player "involvement" is a large shadow being cast over FF14 and I'll be curious to see if it's ever addressed, or if the game will go down the route I believe it will, which is catering more to casual content. Which is fine, but not a game that I'm looking to invest time into.


Edit/TLDR/Reply to OP: Yes I think the FFXIV community is a bit sensitive. Even when offered the politest advice from the most well meaning of places I've been told from the range of MYOB to off myself.