Are BRD/MCH A Sub DPS Class (Support DPS) or Are They Just DPS Now?

[Elnidfse]

But DRG + BRD is stronger than RDM + MNK. The optimal speed comp would be NIN, SAM, DRG, BRD. Actually depending on the buffs BLM got if they do more DPS than SAM then they would replace SAM.

I don't see how. DRG got buffed in 4.05 sure but none of the fastest kills before that even took one. While BRD and RDM had solid slots with MNK being in the fastest Susan kills. In the fastest Susan kills there isn't EVEN a BRD. I look forward to fflogs being fixed so we can start extrapolating again.

That said, for progression, where you're expecting a bunch of mistakes and inefficiencies, taking the dps hit in favor of MP regen is a sound choice, even if not strictly required. And the dps hit is lessened, relatively, since your melee and casters won't be fully optimized in terms of uptime and maxing casts and such.

Now that I think on it, wouldn't this just mean RDM compete in that same "spot" that really doesn't exist. I mean their supportive abilities and instant cast revive is some of the strongest "goof up insurance" tools in the game.