So what all has changed with 14 since late October?

[Romper]

Is it even worth experimenting with, or are they just holding out for a huge patch for PS3 release when they no longer make 14 free? I thought they were adding new classes in December, but that doesn't appear to be the case at the moment.

 

[Twinzero]

I wouldn't expect new classes anytime soon, but there's a big list of upcoming updates that are really nice. They seem to want to do updates at least twice a month now, and are more vocal about their steps. The december patches were really just tweaks. Such as searchable wards, some adjustments to UI, that sort of thing.

Early February they have this update coming:

Spoiler:

Patch 1.15a Outline (01/27/2011)

Several of the scheduled improvements mentioned in last week's letter from the producer are nearing completion. The following is a list of some of the most significant changes:
*An official patch release date will be announced shortly.

Content
Improvements to Log Usability
Changes to behavior of windows when moused over
The implementation of an automated log text show/hide feature
Revisions to text color

Improvements to Dialog Windows
Changes to increase the amount of on-screen data, reducing the need for multiple pages

Improvements to Combat Damage Display
The assignment of different font colors to player and enemy damage
Adjustments to prevent overlapping of combat text

Improvements to Map Usability
Increased data refresh rates allowing for more responsive maps
Improvements to Minimap Usability
The addition of a PC's field-of-view (camera direction)
Improvements to Guildleve-Related Information
The implementation of an in-game command which displays time remaining until the next leve renewal

Adjustments to Item Stack Sizes
A significant increase in stack sizes (from 12 to 99) for several existing items

Improvements to Gathering
Changes to the frame rates of action animations to speed up gathering activities

Improvements to the Item Search Feature
The addition of prices displayed together with search results
Addition of a Head Gear Display Feature
The addition of a feature allowing players to graphically toggle on/off their headgear (without physically removing the item)

Adjustments to Skill Points
Improvements to skill point acquisition for parties (YAY!)

Further details will be revealed in forthcoming Topics posts, as well as the post planned for release in conjunction with the patch.

This very well will not be all, either. Just the other day they released how the MW is going to be a lot like an AH. Where you search for the item, and you then see a huge list of people selling / and which ward. You then have the option to mark these ppl, and you head into the ward and find them. The retainers that have stars above their heads will load first, and show a red dot on the map vs. a green. (it does this now)

Then if you didn't see it already, here are some other changes coming soon:
http://lodestone.finalfantasyxiv.com/pl/topics/detail?id=46e03f76722239ffa01960aba398e4034b898102

Very good read, and very promising stuff. Don't give up on XIV, but I wouldn't urge you to rush back quite yet, either, unless you'd like to get a head start. What excites me most is the adjustments to party SP, which is coming early February. If they can pull it off and make party sp worth it, I'll be very happy.

 

[Romper]

That sounds all well and good to me. Did they fix UI lag with NPC interactions and crafting?

Have they done updates to how crafting works as crafting to me seemed like a 60% fail chance vs a 40% success rate. I had a lot of late stage fails because how random the success chance was even with something far below the level. lol

 

[Twinzero]

Oh, yes! Crafting is much faster, and the lag is basically not there. If you have lag, it's probably your computer or internet. But they are still tweaking it some, as well.

 

[chrono fantasy]

I think I'll be coming back, maybe full time if I'm impressed enough. Updating my account now. I haven't been in the game since October of last year. I can't wait to see all the new changes and be behind from everyone else. XD