I guess I must have great luck or something.
All of the gear I previously wanted on Shiva was so friggin' expensive (Courage Rings 25k+ each, Beetle Earrings +1 10k+ each, etc. etc.) is dirt cheap over here, so I actually have nice gear now. So far, the only thing I've found outrageously priced is Ochiudo's Kote, which I am not looking forward to at all (Almost 600k... ouch).
I've never had trouble finding a party, actually every party I've gotten for the Jungles was offered to me in /tell when I didn't even have my flag up (Sometimes just from hanging out in Jeuno, no less). I haven't had a problem with any parties in respect to the quality of the players. I only died twice from 25-30, and that was due to catching aggro from multiple Smithy's in Yuhtunga on the way back to Kazham from Yhoator.
I've been having a great time on Remora all in all.
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Moridam/
RemoraGilgamesh. MNK/WHM/SAM