How Would You Design Red Mage!?

[Eremor]

Until the group figures a way around having you in the party and replacing you with a "real" damage dealer.

True, but this is pretty much the case with every job. PLD gets replaced by the 'real' tank, ARC gets replaced by the 'real' ranged DD, DRG gets replaced by the 'real' melee DPS.

But thats why you add some versatility, the enspells aren't the only form of debuffs, maybe there will be cases where spells like silence or paralyze will more then make up for the lack of DPS. My build also includes Refresh and Haste, I don't mind refresh being part of the Red Mage's role (just so long as it doesn't become the only role), a good support role job should be able to enhance all other jobs not just the melee DPS.

Edit: And when in XI was Bard ever replaced with a 'real' DD?