Returning BST Questions

[Ketaru]

I've actually been back to the game since mid-November. It's been quite a ride catching up, but now that I've gotten RDM to a fairly comfortable place, I'm thinking it's time to start working on my BST now. The lucky thing is a lot of the gear overlaps, and I've started using RDM to get gear for my BST. I've got some questions about the job though:

- I hear Primal Rend has held up pretty well, but Cloudsplitter is apparently our best WS now. When I left, Cloudsplitter was something I only used ironically. Is it true they're quite good now? How have Ruinator and Rampage held up?

- So apparently, the benchmark of being a "good" damage dealer these days is to be capable of self-skillchaining (although, what that really means is "We would rather have 1 melee and lots of nukers, rather than 2 melee and only a few nukers). I've seen PLDs and BLUs do it, and actually I'm capable of doing it now on RDM. I hear we can skillchain with our pets now. Is this true? And what are some of the important skillchains to keep in mind?

- What are the important jug pets to have on hand? I noticed that people disproportionately use the chapulli, tiger, and lizard.

- How is BST in Apex parties? Are there better ways to get JP?

- Despair gear looks deceptively good to TP in. Any other gear I should keep in mind? For /NIN, should I be concerned that it has no DW bonus at all, compared to Taeon?

Thank you for any help you can provide!