Sad newbie

[Aeyis]

The problem is more with the job system then BRDs. Having jobs when they are mandatory, you aren't offered an actual choice of jobs; and they completely replace their required class feels like you are forced into a role too much.

No idea why they didnt give you actual choice; for example being able to become a warrior or paladin if you leveled gladiator.

[kyuven]

No idea why they didnt give you actual choice; for example being able to become a warrior or paladin if you leveled gladiator.

Blame 1.0. They wanted to make the classes more "versatile," but then tacked on jobs later.
Initially the developers wanted to do like they did with ACN->SCH/SMN and have multiple jobs branch off a single class, but that didn't end up working out so they scrapped the idea, but apparently left the originals in there in case they decide to come back to it down the road.

[Chukkaque]

I'd like to see a BRD out DPS my DRG with the same iLvl

[Kuurei]

I've always wondered how a 'Hunter/Ranger' class would go over, mix Archer 30/Rogue 15

[sarehptar]

I'd like to see a BRD out DPS my DRG with the same iLvl

Bards AoEing on large speedrun pulls can put out massive damage, or Bards can out DPS melee on movement-heavy fights where melee cannot maintain their combos, but considering that pure DPS output is not the point of Bard in the first place...

I agree with someone else on this thread who said that if OP has no desire to sing, you should stick with another job instead. Bards who don't sing are playing poorly, end of story, and if you go into the job not liking its primary feature, you are not going to play the job well.

Have you considered Black Mage instead? Very good damage while also being ranged and no support requirements... Caster versus physical ranged DPS isn't that massive of a difference given global cooldowns.