Imagine we had two modes for each job, a normal mode and a hard mode, both can do all current content and are still valid choices for whoever decides to play them, this allows players to choose the level of difficulty that they find fun or engaging within ALL content.
Normal mode is the base version of a job, it has the core mechanics of the job and everything required to complete content with no fail state.
Hard mode adds on top of normal mode by introducing more complex elements and a fail state, but also being more rewarding for those who like that.
Normal Mode
Examples of what normal mode might look like with some jobs:
Astrologian: Can switch between nocturnal and diurnal sects, cards are not random. [Current Astro, but nocturnal and diurnal sect are back]
Scholar: Can only summon one fairy that heals the party.
Black Mage: Astral fire and umbral ice don't have timers, cast times are the same as other casters, the effects firestarter and thunderhead don't expire.
Hard Mode
Examples of what hard mode might look like with some jobs:
Astrologian: Cards are random when pulled, and have different bonuses, pull and use a certain amount of cards of differing types to execute an ability. [Stormblood Astro]
Scholar: Can summon two fairies, one that is for healing and another that is for DPS. [Stormblood Scholar]
Black Mage: Astral fire and umbral ice have a 15s timeer, cast times are longer, the effects firestarter and thunderhead have 30s.
That was my idea and examples of what we could have for job difficulty and engagement, I'd love to hear your input on examples that you'd like to have for things I missed or different ideas for the ones mentioned.
Hope you all have a lovely day/evening.