(05-25-2015, 08:10 AM)Steel Wolf Wrote: Really really good post here, though I will have to disagree with a few points, respectfully. Â The requirement for people to come together and clear content is part of the draw of MMOs for many, and considering that was the only way one could play XI, it's a good enough nod to that design mindset while still streamlining (mostly) the ways people can pull together.
Now, obviously, that doesn't work for everyone...and I still feel like the item level gating and level gating for basic-ass quality of life features is probably the dumbest decision in MMOs since "no chat bubbles for you". Â But as someone who played MMOs mostly solo and was terrified of dungeoneering upon my return to XIV, the sense of community that comes out of needing to group up is palpable. Â It's not warm and snuggly at all times, and there's still folks who just DF to use people as tools instead of people, but having done LOTS of solo-friendly MMO'ing, there is something to be said for how making grouping mandatory draws people together, even if only temporarily.
That's why I specified a rando FC rather than one you've carefully selected and want to be a part of. I'm not against forcing people through group content compared to what most infer. I'm against doing it when there's going to be a dearth of players at that level. The problem isn't forcing people - it's making a system where you have to do it when there won't be that many players at that level, forcing you through extra hoops rather than what you are technically supposed to do (queue up through duty roulette, complete).
And if anyone is saying they will obviously fix this, only one thing to say to that.
What's your source?