I've talked about this in length in the battle content forums I have a thread about is there:
http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/t...-battle-system

however,

I'm all for a auto attack system. Let me tell you, playing FFXIV with a gamepad, the current battle system and it's UI is terrible. playing for little bursts at a time it's tolerable but sit down and play for 30 minutes god forbid a hour and it becomes tedious.

Seriously, A new combat system needs to happen especially if SE wants to place ANY hope in the PS3 release having a favorable light. The player base should be concerned about this as well.

Currently on a game pad taking actions and navigating the action bar takes twice as many inputs as opposed to KB/mouse.

This is the current input needed with all skills in a row on the action bar.

Full Thrust > Protect > Shock Spikes < < Full Thrust > > > Skewer II > Feint < < < < Full Thrust

to do 7 actions it takes 19 button presses. Thats with all the skills lined up in a row.

What would Auto Attack do in this situation?

Basic attacks (Light Thrust Heavy Thrust and Full Thrust) will become your auto attack

SO it now looks like this
(auto attack) Protect > Shock Spikes (auto attack ) > Skewer II > Feint (Auto attack)
7 button presses for a total of 7 actions.

In nearly all circumstances it will take TWICE as many player inputs in the current battle system as opposed to a system with an auto attack.

taking away a player inputted basic attack and replacing it with an auto attack is probably the middle ground people who like combat control and want a functional UI with a gamepad need.

So what do I propose?

All basic attacks are now auto attacks. Attack and be turned on/off (while weapon is drawn) as not to break sleep or bind or other forms of crowd control. The rate of attack is based on weapon type. So 2 handers attack slow but hit hard, and one handers attack fast but light. Auto attacks generate TP which is used for abilities or weapon skills. the Rate of attack can be augmented through the use of food, spells or gear.

Stamina remains in place and is used to govern the amount of Spells/Skills you can use in a time frame. Stamina is regenerated at a steady rate which can be augmented through food, spells or abilities.

Spells, Weapon skills, and abilities consume TP and/or Stamina and can be used at will as long as you have the available TP and/or stamina to do so.

Battle regimens abilities can be cued up (TP and stamina for skill consumed) Auto attack continues until regimen is completed or canceled. No WS or abilities can be used while cued for a battle regimen.

I think a battle system of this type allows for the fast paced action of firing of abilities spells and weapon skills while taking the chore of basic attacks for TP gain out of the equation. This allow room for socialization while in battle and creates less for a work load for the player.