Hop on Reddit's r/ffxi or the BlueGartr forums, and you'll see heated debates. The community is split, but most veterans are pragmatic about it. They won't endorse it openly, but many admit to using gil services on alts or during catch-up phases. The general sentiment? 'Don't be stupid about it.'

Experienced players recommend focusing gil on meaningful upgrades, not frivolous spending. For example, buying materials for a Ragnarok relic weapon makes sense if you're time-poor. But blowing millions on Chocobo Racing bets? That's a waste. Here's what I've gathered from lurking discussions:

• Pro-buying arguments: Saves time for real-life commitments, helps new/returning players catch up, supports alt progression without re-grinding
• Anti-buying arguments: Risks account bans (though rare for buyers), can inflate economy if overdone, removes sense of achievement
• Middle-ground advice: Use it sparingly for specific goals, never flaunt it in-game, stick to reputable services to avoid scams

Most forum veterans suggest a hybrid approach: farm what you can, buy Final Fantasy XI gil for the rest. Sites like MMOFox get mentioned occasionally for reliability, but the emphasis is always on safety. Honestly, if you're not botting or disrupting the economy, few will care. Just don't expect a parade for your new Aegis shield. For gear optimization, check out our Gear Enhancement guides to make the most of your gil.