Here's another note for people following the thread.
1 - Apparently the free VIP was extended at some point for another week, at least on my account (I haven't seen any announcement concerning the end or extension of it), but I assume it is the same for everyone. It will last until may 1st.
2 - There is currently a small event going on to encourage people to finish the Shamala's quests. Any character that has completed the quests before may 15th will receive 3 dye ampoules. *Shrugs* I'm not really into the dressing stuff so couldn't care less, but that's just me. The quests are relatively short and quick, if rather nasty in the last few missions.
3 - If you are into the dressing stuff, you might also be interested to know there's a new bag available in the webshop. It can be used even without Inv+, is pretty large (10x14) and can store any type of gear (weapon, armor, clothing). Price seems pretty decent at 4900 Nx IIRC. It's is however character exclusive, so that could be an annoyance (or not... I'm almost the only one playing multiple characters).
4 - And finally, the serious stuff! Update!!
Some changes and new stuff has been released. Chapter 3 and 4 (gen 9-16) have been renewed, difficulty level of missions is no longer based on total level. Although I have no idea what it's based on... That being said, I got G11 pre-final/final missions on Don at Int level (used to be under 500 levels IIRC) instead of Hard (1000+). Even Cai could not manage to prevent me from succeeding at that difficulty level, even if he did try really hard to.
Edit: after not being lazy for 2 minutes, I've found out that difficulty level of missions is supposed to be based on current exp. I was about level 50 when I did G11 on Don, so I guess anything below that is good.
You can also get reward quests for previously completed gen. 40 AP for having completed G3, same for Hamlet (G13) and some permanent stats for G14. Dunno about others, but apparently nothing for G9-11 (might require to complete the whole chapter).
Finally, new hybrid skills have been added. Those require apprentice or above in some hybrid talent, like warrior + fighter, warrior + lancer, mage + cleric or Archer + Carpenter + Handicraft. The new skills range from "possibly OP if used right" to "meh, did I really just spent 5 AP on that?". I didn't test them much and still haven't unlocked 2 of them.
So... hum... yeah.
Also, just cause why not... Finally got Final Hit R1