i havent read through all 12 pages of this thread. maybe skill ups could be added through a merit/trial system that reflects soloely on increasing auto attack dmg or weapons skill dmg, etc. but having them added during the normal leveling process will just casue the same issue in XI which is you partied and level up but are gimped since you were lvl synced and didnt skill up. im thinking SE would want to avoid that same mistake especially since 2.0 is a hit or miss thing.