We have finally come full circle, SMN's need help!

[Judge_Xero]

I dont think mana is the main problem for SMN. There must be the reason why we have that energy drain skill in our ability list. It is part of our gameplay control mana and avoid using it too much like BLM should try avoid moving instead and bypass mechanics with their mana wall/ward/aetherial manipulation.

It's not really a huge deal to use Energy Drain over Fester in long fights. Even if you did 1 Energy Drain every Aetherflow it would only cost you about 10 DPS (@i110 - estimated 13 DPS at i130). That can sustain you for a 10 minute fight with 0 downtime doing your full optimal rotation (2066 MP recovery per minute)

The argument seems to be...."well I shouldn't have to lower my DPS in longer fights, by having to use Energy Drain over Fester", since SMN is only around 30 DPS less than a lucky BLM. (lots of procs, not chosen by mechanics etc).

I still don't think because SMN isn't owing in FCOB that it requires a complete rework. It just happens to greatly excel at certain types of fights - downtime - non AOE mobs - many interrupting mechanics.

How far below top DPS do people think SMN stands atm?

Here is 2 exemples of what a smn mp pool look like when entering into turn13 adds phase (between 500 to 800 mps, the brd will have to do a quick ballad during divebombs to raise them at around 1500~ mps), it's kind of low considering the amount of adds to kill :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfxKbdZSXZw#t=334
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7JBmLNLxtM#t=422

Not too bad since their Aetherflow just came up. That was the majority of MP gain. The other vid it looks like they Raised the WHM.
There is an opportunity where they can use Energy Drain due to dotting so many mobs. Yes 150 Potency is less than 300 Potency, but considering the amount of damage going out on those mobs by the SMN, if 150 potency is going to wipe the party then....