Quote Originally Posted by Numenor1379 View Post
In reality there ARE other caster classes you can compare SMN to... WHM and SCH. The problem is that for optimal DPS output a SMN has the same MP costs as a SCH but without the ability to use Aetherflow for as much MP regen as a SCH does, while at the same time not having a passive such as Shroud that gives a huge boost to MP like the WHM.

BLMs aren't the problem as that class was designed for MP regen through self buffs. SMNs lack this.

So, from there we've got a couple of options. A potency increase in the MP regen ability of Aetherflow (we'll ignore ED as that really shouldn't be used by a SMN if at all possible). Perhaps a Shroud-like buff could be added when Aetherflow is at 3 stacks? OR the SMN MP costs need to be reduced.

The damage output of SMNs is fine so long as they don't run their MP dry as fast as they currently do. If their MP drain was scaled such that it'd hit bottom around the same rate as a WHM does then Ballad could be sync'd between those classes and we'd not have issues with "oh, we don't use Ballad for SMNs".
You can't compare a DD class to a healer class in resource management. That is just stupid. They do completely different things and use their resources in completely different ways. That is why you don't compare a pld to a drg in terms of TP management. Blm is the problem because it is giving everyone here a straw to grasp at to demand a buff. Blm shouldn't be able to go forever no matter the party setup if every other class has limitations. Honestly, if you guys get what you want it is going to dictate every new caster in the game from here on out. They will be required to be self sustaining no matter the situation. Stop trying to ruin the future of an entire archetype.