First step of the new relic suggestion

[Aldora]

Why not both?
We shouldn't have to put up with such blatantly bad design decisions with such obvious fixes, and they require the feedback in order to change them.

That was just part of my post. I never said that the way they implemented wasn't wrong or couldn't use any adjustments. But, "blatantly bad design decisions" is stretching it, in my honest opinion. They have been open with their design since the moment they've officially announced it and its features. It will require that people form groups together and run said content. So, if someone doesn't want to do it, just complaining about it won't solve the issue.

Like i said in my post:

I do have to emphasize that people are still running the Castrum, albeit mostly 24 to 32 people at a time. Still, it's enough to comfortably finish the run, even with a lot of people dying through out the run. Even when 90% of the group are new to the content, because you can teach players who are new to the content. You cannot "teach" players to run it, if they don't feel like running it. If i look at the participation for the CE's, it's usually 60+ people who are registering for a regular CE which would only take up to 48 players.

To each their own, i'd say. However, at times like this we can either sit here and complain about it, or find like minded players (new and veterans alike) to form groups and run the Castrum. I'm sure that the FFXIV team will make adjustments so that it contains "incentives" for people to join. But, do you want to wait for that? Or get your clear now? I'm sure that if people would put in a little bit of extra effort (f.i. through the PF), they could still get their (clear) runs. Heck, i'd even be willing to join to help out.

On a side note, i do believe it would help if the FFXIV team were to add the Castrum as a duty option, like they did with the new Delubrum Reginae dungeon. It would make the Castrum considerably more accessible.

Playing an MMO is about playing with other people. The "Duty finder" makes it easier to party with other people and run content. What it doesn't do, is make sure that you are with people who think and do the same things you do. If they don't feel like running said content, they simply won't do it. If you add incentives, will that solved the issue? Maybe a part of it, but not all of it.

Take the MSQ roulette for example. They've increased the rewards, so that people would run it even though they've cleared it. Does it make it better for the new players joining it? Well, they get their clear, but i've seen more then enough people who are just "going along for the ride" but don't get to really experience it. Still, people complain about the content in question. From both sides. "It takes to long because i need to watch all the cutscenes". "I don't get to experience the content because i'm being left behind". "People leave as soon as Castrum Meridianum." In that case, which side should the FFXIV cater to? And is the FFXIV Team solely to blame for this? Personally, i don't think so, no.

A part of the solution does come from the community and their willingness to go out and look for others to run content with. At times, you need to take the initiative in order to make things happen. Not just rely on others hopping on board, the moment you ask.

Again, i'm not saying the content is perfect and doesn't need any adjustments. I can see the flaws in it like everyone else does, but that doesn't necessarily mean its a "blatantly bad design decision", that "nobody runs it" or the content is "dead". People are still running it. In fact, i see a wave of players new to the Bozjan Front, who are still working their way to Rank 10 in order to run the Castrum. There will be plenty of opportunity to run the Castrum. As long as you group up with the people willing to do it and make the effort in finding them.

The same applies to Extreme Trials, Savage and Ultimates (even the older ones). Heck, even running content like treasure maps, blue mage, fates, dungeons and raid (unsynced or at min iLvl).