The state of SAM, BLM, and MNK is disappointing. "Selfish" isn't viable in this game.

[Bourne_Endeavor]

Bringing SAM for the slashing is such a terrible idea the moment you realize that for them to apply slashing early is a massive personal damage loss defeating the purpose of being a selfish class.

This needs to be emphasised because far too many people mention slashing as good utility for Samurai. Yes, it's there if you absolutely need it, but asking a Samurai to set that up before they normally would completely fucks their opener. Either they stomach an unbuffed Higanbana or their major damaging abilities (Midare and Guren) fall outside buff windows. Basically, it defeats the entire point of bringing a "selfish, high personal DPS" job to then gimp what they're actually good for.

Honestly, slashing on Samurai feels more like the devs tossing it there because all the other melees have something.