Well I'm not sure anyone expected such drastic changes within 7.05 for BLM, but here we are. To recap the changes,
1. Ice Paradox
This is a big reversion. To quote the devs themselves in their 7.05 Job Adjustments (https://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/jobgu.../#battleaction,
If this doesn't prove that we have a say in things that go on behind the scenes, I don't know what else will. I'm not sure what more I need to say about how great it is that we have this back. We're considerably more flexible, the thematicism of Paradox makes more sense, and it's really just a fun move to use.After reviewing player feedback, we've also made changes to Paradox so that it can be used even when under the effect of Umbral Ice.
2.Umbral Soul
This is a great quality of life feature, and one that I personally didn't even know I wanted! Freezing the timer once you use it makes downtime between dungeon trash, or even some boss mechanics you're learning, so much less tedious. (though very minor nitpick, the blue oval around the Umbral Ice timer is offcenter so fix it if you want :P)
While I am over the moon with these changes, there are still a few pain points that need to be addressed. After playing the job more at level 100, and feeling it out more, I feel I can adequately give my piece on what needs to be changed and how. I invite you all reading to give your feedback as well.
1.Flare Star
Probably one of the most divisive things about Black Mage in this expansion is Flare Star. Our level 100 capstone move is kind of like Bards Apex Arrow. Performing our Fire 4's allows us to get 1 stack of Astral Soul, once we get 6, we can cast Flare Star, a big finisher, that's very cool looking.
On the surface, this seems cool. Another big finisher for the big and flashy job! However, it quickly falls apart in most content. Black Mage, since EW, has been moving away from its identity as a turret caster, a caster that roots themselves down and just blasts the enemies with high damage spells, in exchange for limited mobility. With the advent of Paradox, we've grown more mobile, which definitely helped with the busier fight design.
Flare Star feels like a weird reversion into that design, in fact, I think it was meant to compliment the lack of an Ice Paradox, but with BLM's movement being more restricted, people hated it, and as such, Ice Paradox is back.