Just want to adress a few things on here...
There's 3 main complaints I see RNGs (or anyone else hating this part of the update) saying:
Complaining RNGs said:
Now I can't do full damage after pulling hate off the tank
*hits you over the head with a mallet* Then don't pull hate off the tank, dummy!
Seriously, this really only means that RNGs will have to learn the meaning of "damage control". They can't just stand right at the mob and spam arrows/bullets/bolts, they actually have to avoid stealing hate. Hm, sounds a lot like BLM... Plus, if you do steal hate, the new Utsusemi "nerf" will mean you lose hate from losing shadows faster, so the tank can get hate back easier. Same goes for any DD job that subs NIN and risks pulling hate when they don't want it.
Complaining RNGs said:
I spend more money on my job than (insert random DD job here) do, I should be doing better!
This is somewhat valid, but first I want to point out something. I want someone to come here and say just how much an "average" RNG should spend on gear and ammo (not food) to go from 1 to 65-70. Right now, my DRK has over 5 mil invested in gear, and the only real "uber" item I have is a haubergeon, which is more or less the norm for DRKs at this level. Yes, you do spend a few million more than me. But RNGs don't have to drop a few mil on one piece of gear just to not be gimp. It's not 15 or 10 million more, I think, more like 5.
Complaining RNGs said:
It's now nearly impossible to party with THFs...
This argument is pretty valid, I think. There's a few different suggestions I have. First one is, obviously, don't party with a THF. Not exactly the best option, but it is still an option. Next, maybe invite another melee to the party to try getting hate for the THF's SATA. Perhaps a DRK/THF/RNG setup would work, with the DRK subbing WAR. Provoke and use Cross Reaper to pull hate off the tank, RNG use Arching Arrow/Heavy Shot, making Fusion, then THF use Shark Bite and close Light. Or, use ranged attacks from a distance, then when the chain's ready use your WS and run up to the mob. Or bite the bullet, run up to the mob, and then use a WS and take the damage penalty.
Also, side note: RNGs now have a very good reason to avoid pulling hate. One of the main reasons to going RNG/NIN was so that if and when you did pull hate, you didn't go splat in 5 seconds (the other reason was to dual weild weapons that give +ranged attack/accuracy buffs). Perhaps now RNGs can think of a different sub to use? Does Berserk boost ranged attack too? If it does, maybe RNG/WAR would be an option, and then you can use arrows more sparingly and still deal the same damage?