Well, maybe it had something to do with the level of skill that my two SMNs friends both had. They were two of the best players I have ever had the pleasure of meeting in-game. I partied with them once as they were leveling secondary jobs and it was probably the most efficient party I've ever had in my entire time of playing FFXI. Not to mention they were a part of one of Pandemonium's most well respected Linkshells.

I always thought it was silly that people sat around waiting for people to invite them when they could just make their own party if they really wanted to exp. If you were a "nerfed" RNG, then be a party leader, invite people, and say, "hey, we're not super powerful anymore, but here's what I can still contribute to the party." Same thing for SMN. Everyone wants you to main heal? Form your own party.

And I think it's a mistake to assume that as a party leader, you're only gonna get the scrapes of desperate players. All parties need to start somewhere, why can't it be with a Summoner? Why would a party started by one of the less in-demand jobs mean that it's gonna be less workable?

I'm a Summoner, and to me this update means a lot. And I believe that this means that SMNs can bring more to the table which is a great thing. Who ever said that this update was gonna change the way the job functioned? It's a happy update. Let's all be happy.