I'm not really sure how RDMs can still be upset with our current status. It's probably better than it's ever been.
- Enfeebles work? Check. (Abyssea sucked!)
- Good Weapons? Check. (2 weapons for Dual Wield, possible R/M/E adjustments)
- 10% Haste Belt? Check. (You can make a TP set that works. We also have a lot of accuracy choices on top of the accuracy on our weapons)
- MAB? Check! (SOOOO MUCH!)
- Access to every lvl 2 SC property? Check!
You can enfeeble, take a hit, open or close a SC, MB, Heal, or Solo. RDM has use either front line or back line, so you should think about where you will be most effective. So long as mobs don't become immune to enfeebles again, then RDM should have use in an alliance against terrible things ( F U Exuviation ). The caveat being that you can land it.
The Elemental magic adjustment is right around the corner and I suspect we will benefit from it immensely. The real reason for RDM to be up close and personal with a mob is because you can open or close any lvl 2 property WS into Dark or Light because you have access to all of them. You can then MB for hopefully even greater justice with those adjustments to nuking.
Generic arguments for why SCing isn't efficient are wasted on RDM because they aren't actual DDs. You can afford to hold TP so that you can create SCs for yourself and other nukers. Easiest way to land a hard enfeeble, MB it.
You should always strive to do the best DPS that you can, but you should never forget that there are things you can do that are better than just straight DPS. Especially if you respect actual DDs and open for them. They do a lot more damage than you do, and they always will.
So why not make their WSs occasionally deal double damage and your nukes and enfeebles land harder?
And if there is no good place for you to be up front, why not sit back and do the most good at a range that doesn't really stop you from being useful?