SMN - knowing the class (part 1)
First of all, SMN is not like other classes. We are DoT class. I don't understand why people are comparing to other dps classes.
For Solo, it's very easy. Bio II, Miasma, Bio, Fester, Ruin II, Ruin I. Target dead (combined with pet's attack).
In dungeon, Bio II, Miasma, Bio, Miasma II, Virus, Fester (single mob), Bane (multiple mob), Tri-disaster (multiple mob), Shadow Flare (multiple mob) and Ruin II. Throw in Aetherflow, Rouse, Spur and Enkindle somewhere in there too. I also use Thunder cross skill DoT too.
In typical dungeon, there are easy adds, that died before all DoTs finish their course. But 95% of mobs last 2-3 times the length of DoTs. And it's always 2-3 mobs per fight. I don't target one mob, I target all with Bane. When first mob died, second mob is at 85% health from Bane's DoT spread. When second mob died, third mob is already at 65-70% health.
SMN - knowing the class (part 2)
Can you ask for anything better? Granted, I get hit once or twice due to agro from 2nd and 3rd mob. But tank gets the agro back.
Imagine when I get Miasma II AoE DoT, Tri-disaster to bind them, and Shadow Flare AoE DoT. That will easily take additional 5-10% health from second mob and 15-20% from third mob by the time party attack third mob. Basically adds already lost up to nearly half of his hp before party targets it. Isn’t that awesome? I am not even including pet’s damage yet.
So the question is, how are you playing your class? Are you attacking one target at a time like other dps in dungeons? Then clearly without fester, we can't compete them. SMN should be taking on all mobs at the same time? We do far more damage than any dps who can only do single target one at a time.
On side note, I hate this 1000 char limits.