let me just say my piece.
i played PS2 and it never broke down besides when my room was flooded(my bedroom is in the basement) and even after it being flooded(and a month of drying) it still works like new. my HDD still works too. which is the only downside to PS2(buying the HDD and package).

and the thing about the starting class. personally the only thing i had trouble with was thief.in the defense of your side though, i had very rich friends helping me out finalcially before i reached level 10. (i started monk and as soon as i started they bought me good stuff) and i was galka so my mp is horrible.(but i could take a hit) personally i dont think race matters in a job. jumping ahead, id take an experiienced galka or elvaan WHM or BLM over a noob taru mage. because i found noob taru mages will overcast and noob or experienced galka or elvaan mages will learn VERY early to cast wisly.