so what's the answer?

if the JPs can pug it, how seriously do we take the EN cries that it's too hard? do we lower the difficulty curve enough that EN players can also pug it? but then what of the players who could always pug it before?

how then do you challenge them?

as i've said before, i don't think there is a tremendous skill gap between english and japanese players. the problem is in attitude, approach and execution. and i think that's certainly cultural to a large degree. so, unfortunately, if everything is all one difficulty, then there will always be stuff that only the elite can finish, and only the japanese can pug.

while i personally don't have a problem with this, many casual players do. they do feel entitled to a shot at that content. and as a result, the only way i can see them getting the same access without categorically nerfing difficulty across the board for everyone is to add in player controlled difficulty.