My AST is so weak, why?

[technole]

Problem I noticed is Darkside... had a lot DF DRKs and even a friend not using Darkside so Cds were locked behind that. Got my friend to use it but didn't bother with all the DF DRKs that don't understand the job :/

Yep, Darkside is one of the issues we all see often in DF land, with not keeping it up at all times. Not only do they do less damage than they should be doing, but three decent CDs are locked behind it and either get buffed and/or require Dark Arts to use in conjunction. Dark Dance for increased parry , Abyssal Drain for damage, plus self-healing in a big mob and increased threat, and Dark Mind for magic damage.