Some jobs, the AF is just too hard for that level unless if you can get a full alliance, and the problem is, people aren't always willing to help if there is nothing in it for them. So I guess people figure if they are going to have to pay someone for help with AF, they are going to pay someone a higher level then them who can guarantee them a win.
I'm still waiting to get all of my friends together at the same time to finish my AF.
But I did get high level help with my robe AF. I was not about to subject friends my level to the hell that is the Temple and when some of my higher level friends said they'd take me, I jumped on it.
But truth be told, I don't find coffer hunting fun at all, so if a higher level friend says I'm bored, let's go get your key and coffer, I'll do it. Now the nm fights are a blast. I have 2 more to do to get my horn and I will love for my set to go with me. But coffers, get me in and out as quick as possible. Running around zones that I'm way too low of a level for without a map hoping I find something and knowing I'm screwed if sneak or invisible wear off at a certain time just isn't fun to me.
No imo, 50-60 was one of the more boring periods of the game for me. I hate af coffer hunts, if I see another robber crab I'm going to puke and well, summoner just doesn't get that many new toys. Meteorite at 55 and the IV magics at 60 (which is quickly becoming the most fun I've had) we about all I got to see, while my friends were getting cool new spells or cool new weapon skills.
At 60, I was able to do the avatar fights and those were a blast. There is just so much I was looking forward to that I had to be 60 to do, that the grind that is 50-60 didn't bother me enough to say I'm giving it up, though we did lose a few friends during that. AF was the cause. Again, not all jobs are easy to do. SAM NM fights are a cruel joke.
But for those who love the coffer hunts and stuff, 50-60 is going to be the best part of the game. And there are plenty who love doing that. (another reason why I'm not that big on it, my af pretty much sucks stat wise)
But to Ryan, it does get better. You just have to find ways to mix things up and get out of the grind so you don't burn yourself out.