I really don't want RDM to be a melee DD either, I too think even 80% of a high end DD would be too much. An A- in sword would no where near accomplish that. What I do want is for the general public to accept RDM melee as an acceptable option under certain circumstances, and I feel that an A- combat skill would help in that regard. You all agree that RDM can already melee competently, but unfortunately the vast majority of FFXI players do not believe so.