Quote Originally Posted by Theodric View Post
The cast is so large at this point, though - and if someone cannot find a new favourite character to cheer on even if their primary favourite is eliminated then I daresay they might not be all that invested in the setting and story as they convince themselves to be.

Some of my favourite characters across a broad range of settings have been killed off. When handled well, I'm fine with it. I don't need my favourite characters to stick around 'just because'.
For me, it's not a matter of favorite. I simply see no use in death of non-enemy characters other than for showing tragedy. If they do it well, then great, but it's still a waste to me. Yes, they can bring up new casts of character, but they can do that while still keeping the core.

Ooh, that's it. If I compare FFXIV to a series, then I like having a constant cast of main characters, maybe with minor changes along the various seasons, but a large revolving set of guest characters.

It'd also be respectful to truly show the horrors of war by disallowing the main characters to always remain triumphant and return with minimal losses even as they cut down and end hundreds of lives without much thought.
This is the only reason I see for death, but the thing is, for me personally, I already got that with the death of Louisoix. The horrors of war does not need to be portrayed using main characters repeatedly when there are side characters (or extras) whose role would fit that portrayal. Someone like Tesleen (sp?), for example.