4th job Single Target DPS

Although, I should really comment that even my method of giving each job equal spending is not enough to compare with reality, it's just the best approximation that we can in fact control. In reality one would also have to consider the class's money-making capabilities (which would be a minimal factor at best, definitely not enough for one job to have 1-2 billion, or even 10% of that, more than another) as well as the cost of their 4th job skills (for which, like ZHelms, I don't really like including the cost of them in comparisons, as I prefer the scenario where players earn those themselves).

It's not a minimal factor like you make it out to be... I'm probably comparing best vs. near worst 3rd jobs (WK and Hermit) but I found there to be a massive difference in money-making. As in the difference between 500k a level and 8-10mil a level. As most merchants know, it takes money to make money - an extra 20 million every couple levels is a very healthy stimulus.

And with the difference in income, there's a difference in equips. I'll use relatively current prices for the gear I own because it's not fair to compare purchase price.

Level 117, White Knight vs. Level 117, Hermit
Weapon: 10mil Morningstar, 300mil Casters + 95mil Throwing Stars
Overall: 40mil Battle Empress, 60mil Avenger
Helmet: Zakum Helmet, Zakum Helmet +1 70% dex (15mil)
Glove: 35mil Imperial, 160mil Stormcasters
Cape: 10mil Icarus 2 + 8mil Icarus 2 (str & dex), 55mil Pink Adventurer + 80mil Pink Adventurer (luk & dex)
Shoe: 15mil Dark War Greave, 60mil Dark Moss
Earring: none, 95mil Gold Drop
Face: none, 100mil Rat Nose

Total: 118mil vs. 1020mil


Of course, because I'm sensible, my Paladin uses a lot of this gear now... so I can't really unlink their costs anymore. It's not really the ideal spending pattern, but I was working within the market in both cases (availability, especially on BWs and female overalls, is poor - I upgrade what I can when I can).