I really hate F2P, and wish FFXIV stay P2P forever.

But if it just had to be F2P, I wouldnt choose niether of what OP listed.

I'd go with cash shop but not vanity one. Cash shop will have upgrade and melding increase... I like my vanity to be free XO
looks > stats

I hate when all the cool looking stuff are cash shop... Will probably quit lol