Originally Posted by
Enkidoh
It's a hold over from CNJ's original form in version 1.0 - in it's original incarnation (this is before Jobs were added) it was more an elemental spell caster and less of a healer. When the Job system was added CNJ lost most of it's elemental spells which were given to THM and it was made to concentrate more on healing to compensate for being the stepping stone to WHM, but still retained earth, water and wind elemental DD spells as those elements also fitted with the healing spells they cast (for instance, how many people realize Cure is a water spell?). But I digress...
I hate to play devil's advocate here, but I can kind of sympathize with the BRD mentioned by the OP in principle. If I wanted to play DD I'd go as a DD class or Job, not pretend WHM can be a DD and neglect the whole reason I'm even there and potentially pull more hate than the tank can get off me.
However, having said that, if a player is particularly skilled at being able to switch between DD and healing, then go for it. My gripe is this attitude that it's actually expected, when it shouldn't be. It would be like expecting me as PLD to just DD and not bother tanking. If you want to deal damage, go as a DD class, it's that simple.
*Equips Flame Shield*