Why is everyone anxious about a PLD Rework?

[Lyth]

No, it's true. WAR was a mandatory pick for the entire duration of Heavensward and the majority of Stormblood. The absolute dps differences were larger than they are even now, despite jobs having smaller dps numbers overall back then (and tanks actually had a lot more carry potential in terms of dps). Shadowbringers had a closer balance overall, but this is the first expansion that you can actually see them attempting to do balancing on the basis of rdps such that the averages are within 100 dps of each other. The main balance discrepancy isn't with tanks, but rather with casters and ranged dps, which is more of a job design philosophy issue that needs to be looked at. But that's a discussion for elsewhere.

Of course, you'd be better off sticking to providing commentary on expansions that you were actually there for.

[Gserpent]

but this is the first expansion that you can actually see them attempting to do balancing on the basis of rdps such that the averages are within 100 dps of each other.

But balancing tanks around rDPS is stupid. It's why DRK is in a state wherein it bursts so hard it takes card priority away from *actual DPS classes* during its window.

[Shurrikhan]

But balancing tanks around rDPS is stupid. It's why DRK is in a state wherein it bursts so hard it takes card priority away from *actual DPS classes* during its window.

It's dumb only if that goal hurts goals (e.g., for diversity and/or depth in toolkits across jobs) that are more desirable for players of the given job/role/game.

Looking at rDPS alone just happens to be dumb when rDPS isn't all that's on offer. And the more we obsess over it, the more it will have to be the only thing on offer as its balance tightens and pulls all other element in, too, in turn.

As long as those tendencies are kept in check, though, tight balance is always* a good thing.

* Actually, small caveats may apply even then, but only in disrupting outsized community perceptions following a long-time imbalance.