Quote Originally Posted by The Unknown Guru View Post
I like random encounters. If you hate them that much, then it really isn't that hard to run. Also, it makes it much easier to level.
I think the point that many of us who are sick of random encounters are trying to make is being a little lost here. For me at least, the problem isn't the fact that there are battles to begin with. That's where the gameplay is, and I actually like fighting battles so running is a none issue. What I hate is that you can't see them coming or avoid them if need be in the first place. Out of nowhere you get this jarring screen indicating that you're being whisked off to fight some battle you never saw coming. It's annoying, surprising, and completely takes me out of the experience. I find that games that have no transition from field screen to battle are far more immersive. For those times when I'd rather not fight at all and just want to get to a save point or continue with some of the story or exploration, it grates my nerves and takes all the enjoyment out of the game.

And I believe it's been said before, but it doesn't make it any easier to level. If anything it only opens up the possibility for some hands free levelling techniques which I find pretty cheap anyway.