2nd Job Predictions

[Kuwagami]

I made a point that the RDM used swords from day one. You rise a valid point, but I was wondering if someone could bring an example of the job not being able to use a sword to support the argument/point. I gave evidence against said argument, I am looking for evidence for their argument.
P.S. Basically when were they locked into staves/rods.

They are not that much locked into one type of weapon.
Putting it simply, they could use all types of weapon in FF I, III and V.

FFTA locked them with rapiers, which were put aside of the other swords.

FFXII locked them with maces, with the exception of a handful of great holy swords :
Claymore, Defender, Save the Queen, Ultima and Ragnarok.

Most traditionnally (artbooks and stuff) though, they are drawn as rapier/staved wielder.

*eyeroll*

Do a quick search of Red Mage in google images and tell me how many swords you see compared to other weapons.

Red Mage, without a doubt, is a Iconic Sword job. They're entire imagery is based off of Spanish and French fencers and musketeers.

Yes, mechanically, they could equip a great variety of weapons, that's due to being a jack of all trades type. But as an Icon? Sword, specifically the fencing styles.

sure, because everyone know that fan art is the official source of what a red mage is. And even with that, 90% of the drawings/cosplay are FFXI related, so irrelevant as one game can't possibly be enough to justify a trend.
The others are FF1/3/5, where RDM could use any possible weapon, so still irrelevant.
And I could make you notice that a lot of official images/figurines of RDM are using staves or maces

Moreover, although a rapier is a sword, the FF series have always put distinctions in the class of swords. There are longsword, short swords, 2h-swords, greatswords, and rapiers, which cannot be equipped by the same jobs in all games.

Basic jobs have the short swords (squire, rogue), when the knights have access to longswords, paladins wield greatswords, and the fighters/darknights and equivalents have 2H-swords. The red mages got the rapiers in share.

And please don't spread misinformation, musketeers have never used a single sword in their life. They were gun-wielder fighter (using muskets). their outfit inspired RDM's one, but certainly not their way of fighting.