So, I've done quite a bit of research, both in and out of game, and I'm still unclear on this.
I understand that FMs can be opened randomly when fighting any elite or higher. I know that Burglars or Guardians can also trigger these.
I understand clicking the bullseye thing if I'm not on the correct target to bring up the FM wheel.
I understand what the colors mean, and what they are for.
What I can't figure out is: do I actually click on the circle for the color I want to pick? Or do I use a skill with an icon whose background matches the color I want? I ran GB with some kin last night and I was trying to figure it out, but either there was too much latency between what I chose and the visible effect on the screen, or I was doing it entirely wrong.
I was trying to select red. As a lore master, I thought since I have ranged abilities, I could simply trigger it from a distance. Clicking the red circle didn't seem to do anything (I didn't get "stunned"). Casting my burning embers didn't trigger it.
The only time I actually got it to work was when I ran up to the mob we were targeting, and furiously clicked both the red circle, and my hotkey for that staff slam skill. Unfortunately, I have no idea which of those 3 things I did triggered it.
Skillchains were my very favorite part of FFXI, so I'm really geeking out wanting to learn how to do this better.