Quote Originally Posted by TerahValeth View Post
For starters, let me make it clear that I have no problem w/ the Primals, the drop rate isn't great, but it's decent enough, couple that w/ the "totem system" and you have a formula that at least takes skill into account. My problem lies w/ content like Aurum, Cutters, and the Hamlets (the trend that the game seems to be evolving towards) where the drop rate is so terribly low that skill takes a back seat to factors like "can I run the dungeon 40+ hours a week". Our ls really only has event nights 2-3 times a week, we only do the dungeon 5-6 times in an event day. The problem is that THAT level of devotion to the task at hand DOESN'T increase the odds, and SKILL doesn't increase the odds. What motivation does anyone have to try to be the best they can be at their class/job if you can half-ass it and get lucky in a pickup party? I just want it so luck isn't the ONLY factor (or even the primary factor) I'm not saying it should be eliminated by any means, but it should take a back seat to skill, not the other way around.
Well there should be varied dungeon content. Let me open by saying that much. It really shouldn't all be luck-based, so hopefully they'll add different dungeons with different drop systems. That being said, I find AV/CC fine. Hamlets im not sure about because of all the effort required, but time will tell with that.

The problem is people feel entitled to the best gear possible. At all times. Because they feel entitled, they figure that with enough effort they should be rewarded with it. They dont want to see "the lucky few," they want equality. This gaming philosophy, or psychology if you prefer, pivots around the whole issue of equal rewards for equal effort. Everyone wants to be the best if they try hard enough. This makes me gag, but different strokes for different folks. I get it. Though life doesnt work that way, I imagine ppl play games so they can escape that cruel reality. Either way, this is the way players think. As a result, whenever the next tier gear comes out, everyone feels they have to have it, and should get it. No matter how low the drop rate is, they will spam it 40 hours a week, and kill themselves pursuing crap they have no control over. Idc how many times you run it, it doesn't increase your odds at all. 3% is 3% no matter how you slice it, and more effort doesn't necessarily get you there any faster. It might, but it might not. At the end of the day its smarter to just let luck go where it goes and put all that wasted energy into other endeavors that could help you meet your goal of being the best. There are plenty of options, from melds to primals to even GC gear these days. Even if it *must* be Darklight due to some weird obsession, you don't need a full set within a week. That gear will be some of the best for months. There's no rush, take it slow.

Dungeons dont need to be run 40 hours a week, that may not even help you get it any faster at all. Even if it *did* help you, there's no one to say it would significantly help you. More likely than not, it'll hurt you, because over the long run 97% of your time will be absolutely wasted. Players are just approaching this the wrooooong way. If you come correct, you'll find its really not bad at all. More isn't always better, especially when it comes to crazy low odds. A smart gambling man sets his limits, and stops once he reaches them. He knows that the more he plays the odds, the more he'll lose. The idea is to play them to a certain limit, and then quit. When you get on a hot streak, ride the hot streak, then quit. If you're on a losing streak, ride it to your predefined limit, then quit. Whether you do it 10 times a day, or 3000 times a day, your odds are still the same. No need to kill yourself for some illusion of getting closer to that lucky drop. Every outcome is independent, is completely unaffected by the last outcome (altho streaks make this seem like crap), so take it slow.

Really think about it. If you have a 97% chance to lose would you really wanna try your hand at that 40 hours a week? Hell no. Do a couple runs at a time and hope luck falls your way. Use all your other time to pursue other goals...like HQ's or even double melds/triple melds...which have much higher odds than darklight btw. Don't put the darklight on a pedestal!