The only real issues here are mp management and spell speed. Summoners are not inherently weak (SE removed thunder for a reason), because we can stay mobile and keep almost 100% uptime on the boss, as well as dot up multiple enemies all over the map. Even in fights like t8 mnk is the only job that truly "crushes" us as OP states. Playing in many statics with skilled players I found myself on par with all other jobs in t8. Even in fcob if the bard has to throw out mana song for a healer I can see the improvement in my dps and easily keep it up to par with other jobs. It's just compared to blm with it's infinite resources, or the multiple jobs that use TP and therefore need a bard's paeon, mana is a very real issue in fcob and can take it's toll. Avoiding ruin II helps some but the lack of mana greatly increases the skill floor required to be on par with other jobs.

So please SE, let us have more base mana to allow us to continue milking the job for what it's truly worth.