Yeah, but the DPS gain for SMN over a long fight ends up pretty minimal.
In my example I was showing that Garuda technically doesn't save MP because with Ifrit you can deal more damage for the same MP cost.
Garuda is the AOE pet due to Contagion + Bane, not so much from Aerial Slash vs Flaming Crush (you're lucky to hit the mob you're attacking with Flaming Crush let alone AOE with it without rigorous micro management)