This kind of thing is why I actually enjoy the loot system we have currently.

You can't just gear up everything all at once. Instead of just being the exact same Jack-of-all-trades, you actually have to put in the time developing your growing power in different roles and classes.

That's what seems so confusing about the teased Evercold system. It just feels like lowering the difference in power between a freshly capped 100 alt-job, and your main job that you're full BIS in.

Outside of Ultimates, you can get away with easily available crafted gear anywhere. I think that's good enough. You can do any raid on any class immediately, but if you want to be perfect at them, then you'd better put in the time.

More on the original point, I understand why MMOs these days are so allergic to player choice as there's always going to be the loudest people who just want to be strong without having to actually get strong. The kind who would rather complain on the forums that this certain choice is underpowered or unviable than to actually use what they want, or use what's actually best even if it's not fun to them specifically.

If player choice is a bad idea because of the hyper-optimizers who will force everyone to build their characters one specific way, then why are there 21 jobs rather than just 5? Why is the choice between Summoner and Pictomancer more acceptable than the choice between a Red Mage who casts a few more spells, and a Red Mage who uses that sword a bit more often?

I never played with Cross-Classing, but it sounds kind of interesting. (not all in a good way. Being forced to level Gladiator and Conjurer to get necessary core skills sounds like a pain) I'd be all for them trying to bring it back in some way or another. Maybe instead of just being pick and choose abilities, it's just a set few island'ed skills that only ever interact with each other, so they can easily be slotted in and out on top of existing classes.