Just recently hit 50 Dragoon and I'm looking for some goals to shoot for, and some ways I can creep up my performance. I figure instead of clouding my head trying to wrap my mind around raw stats and math my way through, I'd differ to those who have already done so and see what builds they have and are working their way towards.

Some things to be aware of, my Guild is great and friendly, but have yet to beat a Primal Fight - so some purchase-able alternatives while we get our stuff together will be most welcome. I realize Primal Weapons are likely the best things out there right now so I might have to look for an alternative source for them. However in the meanwhile I'd like to be able to build myself as best I can outside of Raid gear.

I looked over some of the stat demands made on threads here and am wondering how some of it is achieved.

Additionally I've questions for those who use macros. Wondering what sort of action bar/macro combos they might have. Note that I play on a Game Pad. (Xbox360 controller just feels more natural to me for this game, I'm not sure why.) So advice from those who use controllers as well.

I went looking for a general guide but much of what I've found is incomplete or vastly outdated.

I'm already set to work on gathering and crafting, but I want my Dragoon/Lancer to be my primary focus and work to improve it as best I can within my own limits. As my time available to raid is limited, it may mean me focus on the things I can do myself first, so I can be at my best working on group activities.

Thanks in advance for any advice you can give.