Endgame should be challenging - that's the point (from a casual player)

[SamRF]

I think most of your assumptions here are wrong for a significant minority of current FF14 subscribers.

"Content and story should be locked behind the hard content." You're advocating gating the MSQ more rigorously than it already is? Kiss goodbye to 40% of the NA/EU player base.

"If normal mode wasn't an option, it would motivate people to get better and push their limits."

No it wouldn't. This is a game, not a career or an Esport. I can't imagine how you reach this conclusion.

"If you wanted the story, you had to do it the hard way, or none. THAT is rewarding my friend."

I can see how it is rewarding to those capable of doing it; a minority of the NA/EU player base. Given the current content balance, using this as a model would be a disaster.

"But overcoming challenge is universally satisfying."

I really have no idea where this comes from. There is nothing satisfying about overcoming a task that is tedious and unenjoyable. Again, this is a game. We're not attempting to pass the bar exam.

There would be the alternative to do the content when it's older and you are overgeared. Also I didn't advocate gating MSQ but rather some side stories.