Trying to choose one (Bard or Machinist)

[FreeLancer4]

^
If you enjoy both then play both as they share gear and just change over depending on the party composition if your in heavy need of the dps increase. If you just want to bunker down with one then (assuming by "your party" you mean a static) choose which one best compliments your composition.

While I cant speak for bards, I do enjoy MCH. If my static didn't ask for my SMN id probably main it. If I had to put a bet down id wager that MCH is probably the more APM intensive of the two and as such will ask more of the player to play optimally. If skill required is going to affect your decision then you should take note of this point.

So far as endgame goes ive cleared A1 Savage on it multiple times with respectable dps. (Since week 1) Bard seems like the superior choice on A2 tho, as the smn + vun stacks + foe's equates to devastation. Cant speak for A3/4 Savage as were still trying to get that elusive ideal/perfect attempt on A2, the one where mistakes aren't made/people don't disconnect as we appear to have the dps requirement down.