Why play Machinist over Bard?

[SovereignAegis]

I am asking extremely seriously here.

What does the Machinist bring that Bard doesn't? Aside from more mind numbing RNG in an apparent "1-2-3" combo.

More damage? No. Look and compare the numbers and the ease of getting them for Bard, the Bard STOMPS on MCH in damage.

More utility? Sure the 5% mind rend or dismantle on a 90s cooldown really really is worth it, especially worth taking up two separate skill slots. That is sarcasm.
(Especially when Bard gets in the same level a 240 potency spammable off gcd ability! Yay 5%!)

So someone tell me, why would a machinist be desirable lategame? Why would you ever pick it over a Bard given the choice?
It seems that Bard does everything a machinist can do but significantly better.


I see Bard having lower cooldowns, higher damage (Way higher. WAY HIGHER) and actually useful utility and all the same skills that are "amazing for machinist". Snare, silence? Yep, Bard has them. Slow? Can go Keen flurry if you're that desperate from lancer.

Skill lists:
http://ffxiv.consolegameswiki.com/wiki/Bard

http://ffxiv.consolegameswiki.com/wiki/Machinist


*This is separate from my other thread because that was my gameplay feelings/thoughts on it. THIS thread I am asking THE COMMUNITY to find some answer to this question: Why ever pick Machinist over Bard? This isn't involving my feelings, this is involving hard cold numbers and utility brought by each class in their skills.