A support/brd solution

[Zheri]

I think BRDs should be a support class. That's it. They should introduce a new ranged damage class such as Marksmen, Ranger, etc. Bards have traditionally been a support role in games. I actually like the idea of four (4) class archetypes in MMOs and the only one I can think of that did it "right" was Rift. You have the standard tank, healer, and damage, then you have the "pure" support that brings unique utility to the table (such as current BRD songs).

The reason it worked in Rift but will absolutely not work in XIV as it stands now is party size. In a group of 6, there are enough other people that the support abilities have a significant enough impact to be worthwhile while not being completely broken in larger group settings. By going with a base group size of 4, SE has pigeonholed any support-type class into doing comparable damage to a true DD which means minimizing the support aspect so they are not terribly OP in larger groups.

[WhiteWindHD]

The reason it worked in Rift but will absolutely not work in XIV as it stands now is party size. In a group of 6, there are enough other people that the support abilities have a significant enough impact to be worthwhile while not being completely broken in larger group settings. By going with a base group size of 4, SE has pigeonholed any support-type class into doing comparable damage to a true DD which means minimizing the support aspect so they are not terribly OP in larger groups.

Which is why I believe my solution would work and add some more flavour to end game, more options for future jobs, more party diversity without changing those current players who want to dps as a brd.