Is Bard still getting the shaft for groups despite their recent buffing?

[Nihility]

it seems more like... if you have a bard and machinist both applying to a group for same slot. Machinist will tend to be the easy choice

Bards do have some advantages though; Foe requiem can do a lot of work when a group has a caster and a dpsing healer and warden's paeon is like a warrior's best friend if used well

[Yoruichi4478]

it seems more like... if you have a bard and machinist both applying to a group for same slot. Machinist will tend to be the easy choice

Bards do have some advantages though; Foe requiem can do a lot of work when a group has a caster and a dpsing healer and warden's paeon is like a warrior's best friend if used well

I agree with you there. I had a war and I used WP on him when he needed it and he loved it.

[lulunami]

If you are a good player, you can find a group. It does not really matter if you play Bard or Machinist.

If you are talking about optimal DPS party composition for speed runs with the current raid meta, you would likely want a DRG, NIN, MCH, and BLM. Hypercharge is a really strong party buff, especially when combined with Trick Attack and Battle Litany, that benefits 5 of the 8 players. So that is why people want MCH.

If there is a fight like Caduceus (T1) or Gordias A1/A2 with 2 targets, Bard will probably beat MCH in such a fight because of River of Blood.