I mean, maybe Bard could have Palissade back. Instead of the whole physical ranged role. From what I recall the animation of Palissade fitted Bard really well, and this would drift him towards a more "active" support playstyle as well. Foe's Requiem was a nice idea, but I hated the cast time on the ability. Maybe make it an oGCD, that increases damage received to its target. In fact, you could rework it to be a trick attack clone. But then you would need to prevent Bard from stacking it with a Ninja, or we'd end up with a synergy meta all over again (maybe something like "this debuff can only be applied once every minute to a target"). I'd like to add also Refresh back into the game, but seeing how MP are basically a non-existent factor right now for most class, it wouldn't have that much uses apart from very niche scenarios.

Something that could also please the peoples wanting more "bard-related" stuff is a change to some animations. Stormbite as an example, could become an arrow that hits its target, to transforms into a tornado when the bard sings afterwards. Complicated animation, but would make more sense imo. I personnally love the 70 spell, as well as Iron Jaws and the LB3 who fits perfectly into this iteration of bard, an Hybrid between ranger and minstrel. Maybe add more things like this ?

I also can't blame SE for not wanting a Minstrel class into the game, seeing how effective the wandering minstrel is at inspiring things. I pity the boss who would get pulled into an Alexander Ultimate fight each time your party's Minstrel open its mouth.