SAM out classing all other DPS

[Elnidfse]

Slashing isn't ready utility. It's synergy. All it does is increase dps potential which is our main role. Utility would be if Sam, as a DPS class, could raise allies, lower enemy damage to make tanking easier, restore hp/mp, etc. You can balance synergy abilities much easier than you can utility as all dps synergy abilities do is add more damage which can be figured our and balanced with some math. It's much harder to balance abilities like Raise, because they add an abstract value to the team.

Except half of what you say is completely invalid. Yoshi gives no care about defensive increases.

Recently, samurai damage has been the subject of much debate, prompting many comparisons between jobs. In bringing samurai in line with other jobs, however, we not only look at solo damage values, but take all of the following into account:

http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/t...80#post4263080

• Damage dealt when solo.
• Susceptibility to mechanics (jobs affected more by mechanics deal slightly more solo damage, and vice versa).
• Ability to raise a full party's total damage.

For instance, dragoon can greatly increase party members' damage, but deals less solo damage than samurai. In contrast, samurai boasts high solo damage, but cannot do much to increase party damage. Things such as the aforementioned susceptibility and the ability to perform ranged attacks are also considered.

Your raise example means absolutely nothing because it's not what jobs are balanced around. And yes a slashing debuff is utility. You can apply it which allows others not to. Much how a NIN used to just be able to avoid applying his if a WAR was in the party.