Positionals

[Sjol]

This is a bit like saying that Magical DPS are homogeneous for them all having some degree of cast times on their spells. There comes a point where all jobs in a role category have to have some degree of common gameplay features, or else it ceases to be a category.

...snip...

The fact that they all have cast times is part of the homogeneity, but they have other things that differentiate them.

BLM ignores normal mana rules and has a heavy penalty for interruption.
RDM has their 1,2,3 combo, a balance bar as well as their dual-cast mechanic.
SMN ditches casting times and could definitely use some more differentiation.
PIC is TBD

Positionals all being the same feels homogenous. I think that's why some people are not arguing for their wholesale removal, but to apply them intentionally to specific jobs.

Front positionals tend not to be a thing because then you have to design all your fights without cleaves, which makes tank gameplay less interesting ...snip... Samurai fought in wars, so I doubt they had a rule against refusing to kill an enemy soldier who had carelessly left their flank unguarded in battle ...snip...

With regards to SAM, the class fantasy and the reality of war are at cross-purposes, but in modern times in the West, samurai are entrusted with a certain amount of honor and attacking from behind would be counter to that. It could be very different from a Japanese viewpoint, but that's an area where I'm not really versed.

Front positionals could be a thing if you also got protection while in the front. I'm not the biggest fan of this idea, but I do recognize the design possibilities.

With regards to your earlier comment, the reason why Physical Ranged don't have a role defining mechanic is because any time one is added, it gets phased out due to complaints. I think if you allow to happen on every role, all jobs will converge into that very design as an amorphous mess, and that's where the real homogenization lies.

I think the only things that need to be true for Ranged Phys role is that most abilities have non-melee range and that they do physical damage because those two things are in the name. Everything else has been de facto true but is subject to change.

RPhys tend to distinguish themselves via other means, though I do think it's in bad shape when it comes to combat differentiation.

BRD is heavily proc-based and a ton of oGCDs, sometimes an annoying amount if you have bad ping
MCH has overheat GCD, oGCD pairing thing and is probably the least distinct
DNC has the dance matching mini-game and is probably the most distinct