Inquiry to the Devs

[Carth]

While I personally agree with your view on it, objectively speaking it's in neither of our stances to judge whether the exploit is right or wrong. Either way though I'll leave the subject alone (since it's dirt dead anyway).

Instead, consider what would make RDM a unique tank, as for now, we're basically and always have been a pseudo-PLD in this regard.

Not gaining Tranquil Heart would be a good start.

Without any regard to Ochain, RDM has always taken less damage than PLD, especially against magic attacks. PLD gaining Phalanx doesn't matter much since RDM has a much higher enhancing skill and much more access to +Enhancing gear. However, what has allowed us to compete with PLD (and NIN) in the first place is Fast Cast and Utsusemi.

Above all else however, we can't get around the enmity system. RDM would need a quick hate spike tool in order for tanking to be viable in the first place and we just don't have that in any shape, way, or form outside of spending lots of MP for giant nukes (only to have it ripped way by even stronger damage spikes from DDs)

[Duelle]

Above all else however, we can't get around the enmity system. RDM would need a quick hate spike tool in order for tanking to be viable in the first place and we just don't have that in any shape, way, or form outside of spending lots of MP for giant nukes (only to have it ripped way by even stronger damage spikes from DDs)

I think this has more to do with the fact the emnity system has caps. The overt lack of synergy between classes in terms of emnity doesn't help. That and the fact that THF's gimmick of emnity control has cooldowns that are too long and the gimmick itself causes any class that goes /THF to sacrifice a bit too much for such a gimmick never helped.