Some will tell you that its because of the lack of technology, I disagree. (Besides, couldn't you steal in FF3?)

I think it's because the "Steal!" command would've taken up an extra slot in the command dialog. And since none of the characters had special abilities (Mages had magic, but so did everyone else,) it would've been unfair, IMHO.

I'm kinda sick of all the Thief-haters. He was always a great fighter with me, his running ability was PRICELESS (cocktrices, anyone?) and the Ninja ROCKED.