I'm a huge fromsoft fan and seeing people complain about the DLC difficulty really annoyed me. I bought the game because I wanted to be challenged and the game marketed itself as a challenge. To be honest, I think it's a little too easy.

So yeah I'm a hardcore elitist gamer. I want sweaty palms.

I don't think FFXIV players need to be like that. Default endgame content should be approachable to everyone. Let them play the game they paid for with their own money. If you're like me you'll get what you want with the hardmodes.

Calling endgame content "optional" is disingenuous. If someone is hitting the DT level cap they are more than likely expecting to engage with the endgame. They don't have to be "good" at the game. That doesn't matter because they're fans too and they are allowed to have expectations and voice complaints.

Why take a stand on default content as a hardcore player? Just let people enjoy it and look forward to the harder modes that are tuned with you in mind. Not everything has to be made for you and players who just want to chill deserve content as well. It's perfectly reasonable for anyone to expect to be able to experience the default dungeons.