Why is BRD considered "support"

[Ashkendor]

Bards and Machinists are the most sought-after classes for Savage, so I don't see what the problem is here...

[Kemas]

Then I will say I think the developers are boneheads. I don't see why they think our difference in utility is worth a 15% damage difference.

In the right hands the damage difference is negligible- and if you're using requiem and WM in conjunction with one another you're effectively increasing all magic damage to the target by a significant amount. Add to that knowledge of the fight and you're competing with the best WHILE supporting your group. Job synergy is a beautiful thing. With a brd you can utilize the top dps(drg) WHILE supporting your group and getting a piercing dps increase and you don't have to bring an ast along which provides overall longevity to a group. Speaking by from experience, ast is wonderful but they have problems with sustaining themselves WHILE healing, and brd alleviates some of this pressure while bringing a handful of other useful abilities to the group.

[adn]

Then I will say I think the developers are boneheads. I don't see why they think our difference in utility is worth a 15% damage difference.

Then you don't understand how vital BRD/MCH are to high end play and how powerful they really are. They can save a wipe if a healer dies and needs MP. With how tight DPS checks are on current content, TP regen is absolutely critical for getting a DPS back into the fight; let's not even talk how fantastic Foe Req is.

They provide safety nets that no other class brings to the table while also bringing good DPS. BRD and MCH are ALWAYS in demand, look in party finder long enough and I guarantee you will see somebody looking for one for their static.

They are not classes for people who care solely about pumping DPS numbers. I recommend you try DRG if that's what you want. There is a sound argument that the class adjustments made to BRD in HW ruined the flavor of the class, but they are still very powerful.

[Bhuni]

For the amount of utility (which is negligibly different enough imo), 15% damage difference is unfair.

It's called Balance, Bards are not in a bad place that 15% damage reduction is gonna make them a liability.

All Songs are capable of increasing raid wide DPS in their own way.

[Kassiekane]

It's not so much "support" as it is a "high-utility DPS". I don't play bard, but I understand the concept that they are neither a TP/MP bot, nor are they a turret that destroys parsers. They have 2 tasks; deal as much damage as possible, while keeping everyone's TP/MP up so that the fight continues to go smoothly.

[Catwho]

I realized some time ago that people don't know or pay attention to what bard songs are doing, so I macro'd in the exact ability to each of my songs. Start off a fight with Foe Requiem without being asked and get told you are "the best bard ever" - but I had to put in a note that the song increased magic damage by 10% for it to work.

[Saccharin]

I see them more as support-light and prefer it that way.

[Xanikk999]

I really just don't like the idea of my TP/MP songs hamstringing my dps. I would rather the class as a whole be balanced around using those songs and numbers adjusted rather then eat a 15% damage penalty while they are active.

Actually this seems like the best route to go because people would be less reluctant to use those songs in random groups because they wont take a penalty while they are up.

[Saccharin]

I really just don't like the idea of my TP/MP songs hamstringing my dps. I would rather the class as a whole be balanced around using those songs and numbers adjusted rather then eat a 15% damage penalty while they are active.

Actually this seems like the best route to go because people would be less reluctant to use those songs in random groups because they wont take a penalty while they are up.

Unfortunately due to human nature if a bard could do competitive or more damage and give support who do you think would be taken - all bards.

Support is party buffing so if the bard loses 15% then your party is gaining tons more in damage than the 15%. That's team work to a degree. You do have the option to not use your songs and do competitive damage though.

[Kemas]

That's what a bard is though. That's why the class was created. To have a ranged dps class that is considerably more mobile with their support abilities in mind. If you don't want a dps loss while you're supporting the party you might like dragoon who can crit buff the group while pumping out top dps. And in reality, how often are you really using paeon/ballad? Because if it's hurting your personal dps that much you may want to have a talk with your dps/healers on how they can better play their jobs for sustainability sake- I know that's had to happen in a few of my raid groups.