returning player in seek of answers!

[locpy]

woo im finally returning to FFXI after a very long hiatus. i started playing during the NA release on Siren server and quit a little before the CoP expansion, so i know i must be out of date on many many things. so some back info i was a powerleveler like some NA's during the release and reached 74war and 73drk i also did some bcnm, nm camping (those guys that dropped the red gloves, sniper rings, etc), and was an alchemist and miner i dont know where i left off but i could make remedies and mine adamantite ore. so i'll start with my questions based on the background info i gave yall, any help would be appreciated.

1. How is the economy now adays? are you able to make money off of crafting? or NM farming? i heard something about a change to how things work to reduce RMTs can someone go into detail if at all possible.

2. I'm not sure if i read correctly but i also saw something about shops being cheaper than the ah? was there a change in the shop prices? or was this just the players opinion?

3. Are there any changes in the game that i should know of that would affect the general leveling process? finding XP's and grinding it out. I also heard something about soloing for exp (was there a new feature added to help people solo?)

4. I used to love tanking as war/nin while powerleveling, but i am thinking of picking up PLD. how is the pld nowadays? are they worthwhile tanks? viable in endgame? desired as MTs?

Thanks!!

[Amberly]

What server are you on or planning on joining?

[locpy]

i'll be joining odin server due to one of my rl friends being there.

[cadoxangelus]

Both Myself and Amberly reside on Unicorn, im sure we could help you out some how. funny, i used to run with Amberly and her LS. Anyway. some things have changed since you left. Most high priced NMs/drops have become rare/ex to keep the RMT to over take the game. Check FFXIAH.com to check out server and theyre markets. Nowadays, especially ive noticed the Valkrum Dunes are dead, since most people who get into endgame rarely level lower jobs, all the old exp spots pre the ToAu and WOTF expansions, have been kind of excluded, post 55+ youll end up in the ToAU areas til 75 and merit parties. some people do level in older areas, yet i rarely do. and WOTG offers campaign battles quick 800-2k exp for 30 mins or less. its defintly a nice break from farming/exping etc.
as for War/Nin tanks.in WarBurn parites i dont think its uncommon, i dont know myself. Paladins and Ninjas both serve great roles in Endgame. Paladin is a nice choice. i took it to 60, but found myself more as DD player than a tank.

[Amberly]

cadoxangelus, I have to admit man...i dont remember you. please jog my memory and if you know me....why the hell arnt you in my ls.