Starting in FF11

I’ve been playing EverQuest for 5 years, so I’m not a stranger to MMORPGS. I’ve loved FF since I was 10 years old, playing FF1 on my NES showing the (then) new game off to all my friends.

I’ve been wanting to buy FF11 since US release. I always found a reason not to. I heard bad things, or I was just too entrenched in Everquest. EQ has been in a downward spiral for a while now though, and I’m ready to move on. I’m in top guild on my server, farther through content than anyone else on the server, and am hoping to accomplish the same in FF11 (yes I know it takes time).

What I’m wondering is…is FF11 really worth it? Is the high end game fun, and playable? Or is it like EQ has become and beating your head against a wall. Is there class balance? Or are they completely gimp classes that only fools pick, if so what are they? I know you need a white mage, but I’m use to looking for a cleric for possibly hours in EQ. Is there alot of content? Is race a purely cosmetic choice like in EQ? Yes they had different stats, but in the end with high level gear, your stats were maxed anyways so race didn’t matter. All casters regardless of race had the same base mana pool unlike FF 11 I hear. Is mudflation already huge, or the economy trashed?

Also I’m going to be playing the PC version. I ran the benchmark and my PC can run it pretty well. So any answers are much appreciated. Also a little run down on the jobbing/sub jobbing system would be helpfull. Thanks for any responses