Quote Originally Posted by dan_8989 View Post
Ultimately up to the point where I am in the game, my participation feels like it hasn't mattered in the 8/24 man content and only slightly in the 4 man content due to how overpowered everyone is. If I just sat and following everyone around would the raid still be cleared, probably. There is no one telling me if I'm doing a good job or what to measure myself against unless the party wipes, then I'm still unclear if its my fault or not. I must be doing a good job though as I receive loads of recommendations, or is that just because I'm last out as I'm watching cutscenes and there's no one else to give it to?

I really dont think its new players not wanting to learn because I think the vast majority do want to. I have watched numerous youtube videos and read content to try to understand it better. But upto now i have yet to put anything into practice due to the speed runs and most being aimed at end game content. Ultimately I believe that there is just so much going on that its hard to know whats going on and what affect you are having on it. I cannot speak for higher level content but this is just my experience so far as a new player.
First you can get around the character limit by editing your post.

Second you're still in ARR which sadly you don't really don't get to anything not face rolly until you get to Thornmarch. If not to the point where you need to do the Hardmode versions of Titan, Ifrit and Garuda. After Thornmarch stuff should get better. Unfortunately a lot of players just want to get in and out so they go as fast as can be. Then there's just power creep.