Quote Originally Posted by Mawlzy View Post
I agree with the sentiment, but two steps are required to realizing this commendable goal, neither of which I see happening.

First, it requires players to acknowledge that different playstyles and commitment levels are legitimate. While there seems to be almost universal acceptance that those who enjoy high-level PvE are "good players" that are playing the game as intended, that courtesy does not appear to be extended to the rest of us, who are variously referred to as "braindead," "parasites" and worse, not to mention the resurrection of this mysterious Cure-I spamming healer in level 100 dungeons who nobody has actually ever seen.

Second -- and this may be where SE has really finished off FFXIV -- is the recent assertion in the LL that some content could not be made because of a lack of resources. It doesn't matter if that refers to money, personnel, or a director who actually has time to direct. The idea is now firmly placed in the minds of players that content is a zero-sum game, and if "they" get something, that means something has been taken away from "us." Such impressions are extremely difficult to eradicate, particularly when the evidence points to them being true.

It's this second point that I am convinced will reduce the player count below HW levels by the end of 2026.
The second point is rather concerning, but we should use it as a way to demand more from SE. We know FFXIV is their money maker. I know what they said, but just because they said it doesn't me we should roll over, show our bellies, and say "Oh, no budget? Well I guess we should be ok with SE removing content from X as long as Y gets content!"

I'm not a shareholder and I'm some C-suite executive, I don't care about their budget or resources or in-house problems. Fix your shit and feed us all.