were as i like ur post but FFXI used to be a big ass kicker MMO when it came to being challenging pre ToAU and WoTG before the CoP nerf. it used to take major strategies to get balls rolling on NMs missions quests hell even forming a proper Grind PT had to take into the account of DDs what SC would best affect the mob and IF i restate IF you could find a BLM to MB. after ToAU release everything became a retarded boring TP spamfest. god i miss the good old Bibiki bay PTs
ffxi was a better game before TOAU and the cop noob patch, and ffxiv i already see it starting as a easy thoughtless game and becomming even more so in the future thanks to lazy people who dont want to try and play the game just have everything instantly.