I prefer the License Board cause it at least gave you real customization freedom rather than the illusion of it.

The Sphere Grid is literally a interactive form of FFIV's system and true customization opportunities didn't open up until the very end of the game at which point you're party is already powerful enough to finish the game. Basically the customization options in X are unnecessary and irrelevant which is rather counter-intuitive in my book.

I like the License Board more but it doesn't mean it doesn't have its faults. It could have been larger, had more buffs or skills that create more defined job classes. Its very easy to build a party of clones so most unimaginative people complain about that cause they can't stick to strict class systems. Though, I think it would have been beneficial if your party had a restriction on the number of Licenses they can use.

Perhaps they could have gotten License ranks as they got up so at Lv. 50 Basch could equip 255 License points. At which point you equip Licenses on him until the value adds to 255. Just give him a limited options by equipping the best heavy armor and greatswords? or do you lay top level spells and medium level magic armor? It could have been interesting