The Formula won't change

[Valence]

I did the ARR and HW EX's synced, they were nice. But from SB onward, they seemed to change, the mechanics just became more and more punishing. I don't know, maybe the ARR and HW ones were more punishing on release, and because I came in late and had the benefit of the Allagan tomestones gear, they were easier?

It took around 1 - 2 hours to complete each of them.

I jumped back in recently with the Zoraal Ja EX with some friends, we put up a PF for an extra two people, and it just wasn't any fun. I wasn't coordinated enough for that silly stack moving mechanic. We tried for an hour, and even though the PF said blind and practice, we still had people jumping in and out constantly, after the second or third wipe.

There is definitely overgear and powercreep potency playing a big part, but ARR/HW is also a very different type of battle system and game where challenges and concerns focused on different things. The encounter mechanics and design is just different and your post is just a good example of it.

I'm curious... How do you read the patch notes for the upcoming 7.1 and come to the conclusion that the game caters to casuals?

Us casuals, all we're getting is 3 hours of story, and 45min per week to repeat ad nauseum the same 24 man raid, at best. Raiders are getting the new Chaotic, a new Ultimate, the next Unreal and a new Extreme trial.

And I assure you, it's very possible for casuals to complete all the casual content. I know, because I've done it. From ARR to DT, it takes around 3,5 - 4 years to complete every single piece of casual content, and then you're left with FATEs and Hunts.

All I have to look forward to for the next 4 months is attempting my solo Deep Dungeon runs.

In my personal opinion, they need to tone back on all the endgame hardcore raids and give casuals more interesting and fun things to do.

I'd assume that in SE's eyes, they do shove into casual everything that's not challenging content, which goes from crafting to treasure maps, fates, sightseeing, and everything that comes with the vanilla expansion... which kinda blows.