New info on repairs:
http://lodestone.finalfantasyxiv.com...86f25c0f7e693dIt's about time.
Patch 1.18 will usher in a host of crowd-pleasing improvements to the repair system, such as large-scale revisions to recipes and adjustments to the rate of success.
Simplifying Repairs
Patch 1.18 will see all repair materials replaced with a universal item called dark matter. Dark matter comes in five grades, each of which can be used to repair equipment whose optimal rank falls within a certain range. As long as the range is correct, dark matter can be used to repair equipment of any class.
Repair Material Description
Grade 1 Dark Matter Universal repair material. Use to repair equipment for class ranks 1-10.
Grade 2 Dark Matter Universal repair material. Use to repair equipment for class ranks 11-20.
Grade 3 Dark Matter Universal repair material. Use to repair equipment for class ranks 21-30.
Grade 4 Dark Matter Universal repair material. Use to repair equipment for class ranks 31-40.
Grade 5 Dark Matter Universal repair material. Use to repair equipment for class ranks 41-50.
* Dark matter can be obtained from vendor NPCs, as guildleve rewards, and through gathering.
Repair System Adjustments
From patch 1.18 onwards, repairs will always be successful when made by those who possess sufficient rank in the appropriate skill. Furthermore, the chance of conducting repairs without expending materials will increase slightly overall.
NPC Repairs
In order to improve the usability of NPC repairs, the fee for such services will be greatly reduced.