Quote Originally Posted by Connor View Post
I think the thing about Bard is that it’s design has become so twisted and patch-work-y that it’s put even the most staunch defenders off the job. Especially compared to other ranged options like Dancer and Summoner that have near-equal utility,
they still have party-damage buffs, and they’re significantly easier to output higher dps on. People who liked it for raids/gameplay have moved onto other jobs that do the same / more dps than Bard with half the effort, people who liked it for identity have moved onto other jobs because that identity is so flimsy and poorly-formed (even after 5 expansions to develop it lol).

It’s basically the same as healers currently where it appeals to literally nobody. People who liked old Bard gameplay aren’t satisfied, people preferred the aesthetic / identity aren’t satisfied, and newer players are naturally going to gravitate towards ‘easier’ / more ‘straightforward’ jobs like Summoner or Dancer
I can agree with the fact that bard has lost its identity. SB bard was great, then ShB gutted bard's support tool so DNC can have the limelight, then EW came along and there was an attempt to patch bard together again, but it's become a monster now.