Why is BRD considered "support"

[Coatl]

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.

BRD/MCH are in the same exact spot Bard has always been when progressing through new raid content. Despite their overall lower damage output vs every other class you still need MCH/BRD if you are to raid due to TP shortages being an actual thing you have to deal with. They bring too much utility, sustain and resource to a group to replace. AST buffs are random so don't count on them. Goad is only for one person and you will probably only get to use it on three people in the span of a raid instance.

If people are reluctant to use songs when they need to then they are just bad bards. No decent bard would look at a healer who is soon to be OOM and probably cause a wipe and be like "man, I REALLY want to help you out bro but muh deeps!" It just doesn't happen.