The problem with "Instant OFF GCD" abilities makes combat feel less rewarding.

[Kantide]

I think the issue is that Square is trying to keep some realism in the animation fluidity. The other thing is that by the nature of the combat system their definition of instant (no cast time) is correct, however players will impose their own definitions of instant to it as they see fit (At button press or release, the effect should occur).

Admittedly, the tactical nature of the combat system is a turnoff to some people but it is as FF like as you can get. You have the 2.5 second GCD (think ATB from classic FFs) and then you have cast times to balance things and animations to provide some form of realism.

The other issue here is that we all know for position, the server checks the client every .3 seconds. I am wondering if the delay for abilities not activating instantly is due to this and maybe the buffs were intended to show up regardless of animation. Combined with your own latency for most people this could mean up to .5 seconds or more of delay. If this is the case, the check needs to be reduced to more like .1 second however seeing the server's condition, this may greatly reduce the number of users Square can support concurrently.

That's just some food for thought, have at it.