Why does the Overmeld system work like a F2P game rather than a sub?

[SeleneVenizelos]

melding is pointless

Heavy Darklight:

Body: Defense 262 / STR 33 / VIT 36 / Parry 43 / Crit 30
Hands: Defense 109 / STR 12 / VIT 14 / Parry 11 / Acc 16
Legs: Defense 262 / STR 33 / VIT 36 / Parry 30 / Acc 43

Total: Defense 633 / STR 78 / VIT 86 / Parry 84 / Crit 30 / Acc 59
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My Melded Heavy Darksteel Set:

Body: Defense 262 / STR 33 / VIT 36 / Parry 30 / Determination 29 (Materia: Parry 13 / Acc 27)
Hands: Defense 109 / STR 12 / VIT 14 / Acc 11 / Speed 16 (Materia: Parry 17 / Crit 15)
Legs: Defense 262 / STR 33 / VIT 36 / Crit 30 / Speed 43 (Materia: Parry 43)

Total: Defense 633 / STR 78 / VIT 86 / Parry 103 / Crit 45 / Acc 38 / Speed 59

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Exact same base stats for defense and attributes as heavy darklight with plenty more parrying and critical hit, at the expense of a little accuracy. A massive boost of 59 to skill speed for good measure. Yep, exactly the same as dropped gears. People pay crazy money for +1 stats in MMOs to be the best. Melding adds plenty more than just a tiny boost. The same applies to all the crafted high qualities too; they are better than Darklight. Only the high level job gear and Allagan is currently better. Darklight is just quicker.

[rkpost]

I prefer that SE remove stats caps, but melding destroy them when you fail (all, materia, catalyst and item)

[Reika]

Those extra stats won't save the world. ANd you are forgetting that those extra melds take time too. Spiritbonding, and the random factor.

[SeleneVenizelos]

That's kind of flawed logic in an MMO. Sure, those extra stats won't save the world; but they're still more than something else. The point you are making is valid, but flawed. People will always, always, always chase those additional stats. I remember how crazy people went over a single extra STR point in XI and how much gil they were willing to pay to get it. Does melding suck? Yep. Is it worth it? Probably not. But you can't deny that for those who can or will, right now melding is the 3rd best option for gear. And let's remember not everyone will be lucky enough to be clearing the Coils regularly, nor can people farm the multiple thousands of mythology points for their full sets in a hurry.

So, I agree - melding needs a boost, as do the melded gears. But we can't simply dismiss them because they're 'too much work'. They might well be but they're still better than Darklight. And I for one will improve my gear wherever possible, rather than content myself with the easier option.

Although, being legacy, it's easier for me to say that than most. From that point alone you are 500% correct.

[Maroite]

Why is forbidden melding still in this game at all ? it unnecessary IMO.

Most items have stupid caps on them so its not like you can max you main stats, may as well not bother and go with dungeon/tome gear instead.

I've seen HQ Overmelded gear with better stats than a lot if not all dungeon/tome gear. I've seen one piece melded with +24 Skill Speed (4x6 Skill Speed materia) and a +6 Determination.

[Jinko]

I've seen HQ Overmelded gear with better stats than a lot if not all dungeon/tome gear. I've seen one piece melded with +24 Skill Speed (4x6 Skill Speed materia) and a +6 Determination.

My Vanya robe of casting has quad spell speed on it, but to be honest spell speed/skill isn't that great nor is determination.