Patch 2.28 notes.

http://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/lodestone ... ca30386770

We're at the stage where the game content added since release is approximately the size of the original game.

I cannot keep up.

Mining, I would say, is likely to be the most important gatherer class you'll need, but you'll need both mining and botany to level 20 (or 30, can't remember) to get the "Use this to get 3x shards/crystals/clusters per strike") buff for all types of shard, and then ensure you use these on the +1 nodes to make the most of the added few.

Also, if you can get into making HQ Steel Ingots, then you'll make a killing. They appear to be the most wanted ingots on the market, and the best way to maximise profits in the shortest time, auto-synthesize using NQ materials, and manually using HQ materials. This'll give you a fuckton of NQ steel ingots (with a few lucky HQ ones) to sell instantly, then craft the HQ ones to sell for the big bucks. You'll also sell quicker if you sell them in 10s/20s.

I like to put a movie or two on and just mine for shards. Get a few thousand, then sell them in 100s, go to bed, and by breakfast I'm fucking loaded.

Also, MASSIVE protip - gathering gear, when spiritbonded, converts into gathering materia, and crafting gear nets crafting materia. And gathering/crafting materia grades III onwards can make 30k each. Continuously make/buy new gathering gear as you go and convert as and when - I made my first million doing this.

Also also, in order to spiritbond, the item you're making/gathering has to be within 15 levels of your level. Anything less, and you lose out, so no being a level 50 goldsmith and synthing the easy shit. And spiritbonding nets you the same % per item made - auto OR manual.

And that's me just harping on again, I'll just shut up and let you crack on.