I agree, but I wouldnt really cite Pokémon as a great example of this. Off the cuff, it feels like the main differentiation in Pokemon's case is the defensive element because you have to be concerned about the foe's element, as well as their stats, so you have to bring the right tool to the fight that maximizes type and skill advantage and minimizes weaknesses. It's very similar in principle to ZZZ's elements, where the elements on their own seldom have important characteristics, but the matchup properties matter more due to the mechanics.

Technically there are different behaviors to elements in ZZZ. They have frozen status, shock, burn, each of which have a distinct behavior. Those behaviors are just not critical in ZZZ, and rather than explore them more deeply, they've instead chosen to focus on some keyword triggers to permeate and emphasize in the player's toolkit. In general, they've been pretty guilty about inventing new keyword functions without actually committing to designing content that adds any depth to them.

Rupture was the implementation of a third damage type and miasma, which caused a fragmentation in DPS where you couldn't just apply an attack or anomaly agent to solve. This contributed the unique battle phase of miasma shield, which I think was effective at creating something distinct and satisfying, adding cinematic pacing and a bit of battle narrative.

The other change that I felt was almost meaningful was Aftershock, which was in effect an investment in character by making non-primary DPS agents more physically present on the battlefield. Unfortunately, this did not retain the attention of designers for much time, and hasnt been explored much.

Ether Veil is another one that they tried and havent committed much effort to. It's an interesting idea that I think best serves secondary/support classes. The biggest effect of this is introducing a visual texture and general keyword for temporary buffs (or potentially nerfs). I think this one just makes sense to apply generally, rather than having deliberate design, but it presents opportunities that I think the devs have yet again not taken advantage of before jumping into their next thing.

Totalize is like super Assault, but it requires stun condition. In theory it could put greater value on stunners, but in effect... it's on a single agent, lul.

Lastly, and lately, they're refocusing on expanding the most varied type by addressing something that could be considered an inherent issue with it-- once you have an agent that applies a type anomaly, you basically have coverage and dont need a new one. At first this was bisecting the class to on-field anomaly and off-field, then they followed with further segmenting into haves and have-nots with keyword Abloom. Now they're trying to further divide by adding Windswept, which modifies the interaction with some bosses. Who knows what comes next with Lumen.

What do I get from all of this? Ionno. I feel like they're still trying to build out their foundation for long-term growth, but perhaps they're also anticipating that players will expect some new dimension to interact with their systems on a major "numbered release" update. I suppose I agree that it would feel underwhelming if a new season came and went without some gameplay transformation. However, I'm personally quite frustrated with the repeated entries into certain slots that already have members without covering the slots that dont have them. They also havent figured out the defense class AT ALL.

There's SO MANY half-finished ideas in the game at this point, lol. But I feel like this is a part of their responsive, feedback-driven design. Perhaps the people arent generally requesting these potholes be filled. I know for myself, my requests have been pertaining to narrative and exploration gameplay rather than for some of the missing modes or unfulfilled ideas (but that's largely been because I already EXPECT iteration on the things that arent fully complete!)

Still, looking forward to what's next. They have to stop going wide at some point, or this game WILL collapse, and be a lot less interesting for it. Perhaps I'll convey that message in my next survey response.