I also feel that SMN is on par with RDM in terms of utility it can bring to a party, perhaps even a little more. Vercure and Verraise are both great for progression, but once parties know what to do they aren't really that important compared to the multiple benefits that SMN's Aetherpact or Radiant Shield can bring in any encounter. Not to mention they make better mana batteries than RDM in the long run.