This story really hits home.
When I first started the game, I joined an LS that was quite the same, overtime though it to me felt like a competition. We were all the same lvl, then there began to be huge lvl gaps, adventuring with one another, even lvling with one another was becoming a thing of the past. I myself regret even participating in the "grind". I am now lvl 55 pld, friends, LS members, and aquintances are all well passed my lvl and it's not quite the same partying with strangers. Sure some of the parties are fun, have some decent chats, but after that party disbands, thats it, the next time you meet you may be caught in a lvling spread. Since i've decided to stop and do some farming for a few weeks to have enough gil for present equipment and future equipment, i began to realize what was posted here. Now as I farm, I keep a watchful eye on the people lvling in Qufim, or in Delkfut tower, or where-ever I may go. I will lend a helping hand to those that need.