Really, how useful IS mf?

[XCodes]

Serious question. How useful is MF anymore? Just from a strict trade value argument? Rune and Gem drops are unaffected by MF, Unique drops are the least impacted by it, Set drops are rarely worthwhile (I've only seen Tal's set pieces go for more than a Lem), and most Rares and Magics can be easily gambled (not that there are many worthwhile combinations of those, either).

The increased droprates of Magic and Rare items also gives you that many fewer Socketables for the ever-popular Runewords, especially Ethereal 4-6 Socket Polearms that can be used for stuff like Insight, Infinity, Obedience by everyone's favorite A2 mercenaries.

[Xdeathfire]

Just for reference

100 MF: 71% more unique
150 MF: 93% more unique
200 MF: 111% more unique
250 MF: 125% more unique
300 MF: 136% more unique
350 MF: 145% more unique
400 MF: 153% more unique

Well, I would say that the increased % of uniques, although not too impressive, is high enough to put it on your char. I would say most MF capable chars should be able to get 200 MF easily without sacrificing much killing speed at all. After that, if you can get more on without sacrificing speed, go for it, but IMO, anything over 400 is just unnecessary

[dryzalizer]

You make an interesting point, having noticed that you can trade for just about anything if you have high runes, and you don't have to MF at all. So why not make the most powerful cow killer/LK runner/HF rusher and run using them with 0% MF? Well, you still have to find good gear to make that character, which requires MF unless someone sets you up for free. Many people start off making a good MF sorc or two and farm Meph, Pindle, The Pit, Ancient Tunnels, etc. for good items. Once they get the perfect gear, for a cow killer char, that was where many people stopped in 1.09. Now in 1.10 and beyond if you're trying to make the godly ladder runewords, the quickest way is to HF rush or run LK. So new builds and gameplay have been added because this takes some time. I'd say an experienced player may have 6-8 characters or more that are simply used for a few specific item-finding tasks. I try to Mat/Pat these characters before they retire and run the same areas for evermore, but to each their own.

[sequoia]

I think around 200-250 is a good spot to go for if you plan to MF. I wouldn't recommend putting more than that unless it doesn't hinder your ability at all. Say, a hammerdin or a summon necro can stack waaay more than 400% MF and still sweep through the game silly.