Originally Posted by
Frodnon
1. Smn is not 100% immune to mob debuffs and mechanics. We're actually quite susceptible to them. Avatars have low def, even with their 50% dt, and are prone to AOE dt or mob focus killing them promptly. Currently bst has effectively 5-7000 hp on their pets and several effective ways to heal and remove enfeebles. Odyllic subterfuge is what we use to avoid enfeebles, but it isn't 100%.
2. Smn is a back row job. Its a mage. SE said this directly during the bst nerf to explain the role differences, they want bst meleeing with pet. Player range was actually increased at some point, from ~18 to ~21 to help with the fact we weren't as far back as whm and blm.
3. Removing conduit will not stop a smn group. 4 smns, 2 cors can put out enough pacts to do schah in a group of 8 without conduit. Nerfing smn damage output will ruin all endgame viability in other situations.
4. The faults of this situation are on other mechanics in the game, namely mob hp scaling, melees requiring extra support, and difficulties of being in melee range.