How are you "gimping yourself" for the item not dropping in a BC, that's what I'm not understanding? If it does't drop, you have no control, and thus cannot be gimping yourself.
To use the college example, that's like saying a student who is studying everyday and has gotten a tutor, but still doesn't quite get it is a poor student just because their work hasn't paid off yet.
It's fucking 2M gil. You're GIMPING yourself by not getting it. Christ.
Apparently this is needed. Why PCC blows Specs out of the water:
PCC -- LVL 33 -- Acc+10 RA+10 All Jobs
Specs- LVL 59 -- Acc+7 RA+7 Def 2 MNK WHM RDM THF BST BRD RNG SAM NIN BLU COR
1. Level difference. At lvl 33 there is very little acc gear available. At lvl 59 you have tons of acc gear available. That's 26 levels with 0 acc in that slot.
2. Basic attack build for nin or /nin consists of:Haste>ACC>Attack in general terms. You 'can' hit an acc or haste cap, but for most jobs it is difficult to do. How do you do the most? First equip all haste equip possible within reason. This is only pertinant post 50 as mentioned earlier. The reason Haste is #1? It is a DIRECT increase in damage, as it makes you attack X% faster. There is 0 haste available at any level for the neck. Thus, you make with acc in this slot because there is 10 acc available.
Following so far?
3. Accuracy is a Need, Haste and Att are enhancers.
Waist is the only other slot that has a 10 acc piece available pre B.kote for NIN, which I would place as a slightly tougher get than pcc. So you have to decide for Haste in the Waist or Acc. Haste wins out with Swift or Speed. Rings are the other slot for huge acc, as dual NQ Sniper's can give +10 acc. Hands go to Haste(upper level), Feet to Haste(post50). Legs obviously are Haste with Haidate. Head has the option of Haste or ACC with OH, and 5% is too much to turn down.
So it is possible to make up for the acc in later levels, but you must sacrifice Haste to do so. I would NEVER consider doing this. By limiting the amount of pieces you 'need' acc on, you can place more into the enhancements.
Solid places to fit the needed accuracy:
Hauby(+1) LVL59 -- +10(+12) acc -- Price Difference = 3,340,000
Specs(PCC) LVL59(33) -- +7(+10) acc -- Price Difference = 1,880,000
Sniper's(+1)x2 LVL40 -- +10(+14) acc -- Price Difference = 8,060,000x2
Total == +27(+36)acc
4. Price Difference (Shown Above)
While 3acc isn't a big deal, 9 acc is alot to make up. By solidifying the 'need' in 4 places, you are able to use the rest of equip on enhancements (Haste and attack+). Everything is cumulative in this game, and PCC is the Cheapest way to be closer to the high end. By not taking advantage of this, you are gimping yourself, plain and simple. In fact, you get the most advantage of the upper-tier gear at the lowest price difference.
