The problem with WoW-type raid-focused gameplay.

[AnnietheCat]

Like I said, I don't /want/ to play a pure support class. I was responding to the notion that those classes are undesirable, when a very large player base wants to see it implemented. Yes, support players would always be outnumbered, but there would be a need for players who choose those jobs. Again, I hate the thought of a pure support class, but being a hybrid class is annoying and I would much rather have a choice of not being a tp/mp battery without giving up my physical ranged dps.

[Duelle]

Again, I hate the thought of a pure support class, but being a hybrid class is annoying and I would much rather have a choice of not being a tp/mp battery without giving up my physical ranged dps.

I agree. The funny thing is that there doesn't need to be this weird spot for classes with utility. The line has been heavily blurred in this expansion (I never counted on them giving group buffs to a healer job, for example) to the point penalties aren't really needed, IMO. Since we're talking BRD now, I'd go back to my Invocation suggestion, where instead of spending their entire MP bar on a song they can activate a song, hit Invocation and "consume" the song effect for a MP/TP replenish buff that lasts something like 24 seconds. This way you still provide TP/MP regen without giving you this DPS downtime, but at a shorter duration than if you'd just let the song effect consume your MP bar.

[Sapphic]

Like I said, I don't /want/ to play a pure support class. I was responding to the notion that those classes are undesirable, when a very large player base wants to see it implemented. Yes, support players would always be outnumbered, but there would be a need for players who choose those jobs. Again, I hate the thought of a pure support class, but being a hybrid class is annoying and I would much rather have a choice of not being a tp/mp battery without giving up my physical ranged dps.

Think you are confusing "large player base" with "vocal minority" on the forums. Also the argument is between those who use their support skills when needed and those who don't.