Think I'm talking myself into a corner here.

To set things straight:

- Do I wish SMN in XIV was like the SMN in XI: absolutely.
- Do I think it would work with the mechanics of XIV: now way in the world. Not without completely breaking it off from under ACN and making it its own class.
- Am I happy with the state of SMN in XIV: no.

I am simply upset that it doesn't feel like the weight of the summon itself is substantial enough to call ourselves summoners. There is no art nor nuance to summoning. It's simply making sure Garuda stays out so you can pop Contagion. That's not to say you don't manage the summon. You still keep track of the other CD's.

XI destroyed my concept of what the SMN 'could' be. It made me jaded and one-sided.

Despite that discomfort, I'm still a SMN right now. I plan to be one for a good long time.