The current State of Casters 6.05 edition - balancing discussion

[Risvertasashi]

I'm not so sure on Speed clear. You,d bring a Reaper, Monk, Bard and then Black Mage. Still, No Summoner to be found.

Specifically for a speed clear/parse run, sure.

But having a usable rez can at least ensure they're welcome in reclear PFs. And specifically for a parse party, they might swap out that black mage for rdm - even if the kill takes a few seconds longer, the raid buff will make the reaper and monk's (and tanks') personal rankings better. Of course, some high end groups would still chase the fastest kill - but, basically, I think there'd be a place to be slightly behind blm in dps and make up for it with the buff.

[Aikaal]

Specifically for a speed clear/parse run, sure.

But having a usable rez can at least ensure they're welcome in reclear PFs. And specifically for a parse party, they might swap out that black mage for rdm - even if the kill takes a few seconds longer, the raid buff will make the reaper and monk's (and tanks') personal rankings better. Of course, some high end groups would still chase the fastest kill - but, basically, I think there'd be a place to be slightly behind blm in dps and make up for it with the buff.

That is true for reclears which is why Summoner sitll have a better representation in P4S boss 2 clears than Black Mages. Because if you bring 1 caster, you'll still go RDM>SMN>BLM and have the SMN keep swift for res during prog/reclears. That still furthers decrease their damage and shows that RDM is overall a better pick. Because no one aint making me believe Phoenix is good support with the heals that you have no control versus Magick Barrier

[Risvertasashi]

Because no one aint making me believe Phoenix is good support with the heals that you have no control versus Magick Barrier

I feel like this is sort of the theme on SMN in general. Looks great on paper, seems like it has a lot of utility and flexibility. But in practical play, you find you have very little flexibility on what to do for that boss jump or add phase and, yeah, the phoenix heals happen when they happen and can only be coincidentally useful.

To the rest of your post - well we know BLM is getting a buff. And, cool, I don't disagree it needs one, but then it's just going to emphasize that SMN will need something else to bring to the party. Feels bad that SMN has to lose DPS to even keep open the possibility of a raise, too.