Quote Originally Posted by Dale View Post
But it is the case as I see it. I have a friend who plays a beastmaster and he holds his own just fine when we group. He even uses his pet from time to time as I pointed out to off-tank for us, which comes in handy.
Your anecdote is not the reality that the rest of us face. Your friends are not the norm. Just because things are fine for your friend that does not mean things are fine. The rest of have to play in a far more competitive and results driven environment than you do. I don't mean that to be insulting, I'm just pointing out the stark reality the rest of us face.

When did it become so important to do as much damage as possible?
When the DPS/DD class was invented.

As long as you win the fight that's what matters. Who cares if another job can do more damage. If you're having fun while winning that is by far more important.
Unfortunately you're in the vast minority with that line of thinking. But honestly what would be so bad if it were both? What if I could have fun playing the job of my choice AND do the same amount of damage as another job? Why does it have to be either or? That's my question. Why can't a BST and her pet be just as strong as a WAR or SAM or MNK? What would be the harm in that?