So I have come back to play 3.0 after being away for over a year. Back then it was Garuda or bust. I am now getting close to 60 for SMN and want to be able to challenge the end-game content when I am able, but was wondering if I need to change my game play to focus more on Ifrit now or if Garuda would still be okay to use.

My reasoning behind wishing to stick with Garuda is comfort in knowing her kit and how it fits in with everything I'm doing (longer DoTs, less need for her to follow around mobile targets). Obviously I want to be the best at my job and be an asset to whichever group I join, which is why I am asking the group at large if I need to switch my thinking. I also would like pointers on how to make the transition, and how others go about switching between the two Egis (i.e. in dungeons, do you make the tank wait to slow-cast ifrit?).

Pointers are always helpful and I look forward to taking my game play to the next level.

Thanks in advance.