Hmmm, I burned with my summoner from 48-75 and then for a load of merits but still think it is a negative effect on the game. Not gonna lie either, if asked I'll no doubt join a group again. Hell whether they like me or hate me I don't care but I think half of my server at least knows of me from all the xp parties I've been in. Kinda lose out on meeting as many people afbing too.
These people that are trying to xp the "proper" way are having a harder and harder time finding parties or creating parties. Not as many people lfp anymore since they either have or can afb their jobs.
Killing xp parties will hurt the game, how many noobs do you think even know what an afb is. So the game will lose new people due to lack of a way to xp with people who know game mechanics and can show them stuff let alone getting bored soloing for so long. As many FF's I've played one thing is certain in all, the patience of the slow xp grind. XP grind IS FF. Not being able to handle that just seems like to me this is the wrong game for you.
The easy route and wanting it handed to ya seems more of a WoW mindset to me, don't quote me though, never played the game or had any interest but I hear it's grade school easy.
AND! For the real noobs paying this 150-300k a pop for afb, where the hell they buy their gil at to be able to afford it?
inb4 brogames >.>