For what it's worth, I've been running a parser recently on my SMN. While I can almost keep up with DRG/BLM (as in, around 10% less), I still get blown away by BRDs (they do around 50% more damage in an average fight). Of course, that's if everything goes right. Pet dies, you have to move around too much, etc? Your DPS falls off a cliff.

Some major issues:
  • Smashing your hotkey for Contagion? Only if Garuda feels like casting it.
  • Your dots all have different duration's, meaning any type of established "I can apply them all, then have 3 GCD's free until reapplying" is nearly impossible.
  • The UI likes to scatter your debuffs around a mobs healthbar, and God help you if you have a SCH doting or another SMN. Better start memorizing those durations and keeping track in your head!
  • Rouse and Spur refuse to cast half the time thanks to the animation lag. Can't go on GCD while trying to cast them either.

DPS is decidedly subpar. Go SCH in Cleric Stance.