Why did PLD get such a buff

[Darkstride]

You have to be careful with this. DRK's rotation is already a veritable sea of button mashing without giving everything DA effects. Giving things like Plunge and SaE DA effects, you'd have to not make them *too* good or, between those and DP/DACS, DASE would barely have any room in the rotation.

Any added DA effects would have to be on situational abilities and not things that are a regular part of the rotation, which is already incredibly busy.

I think what I proposed above are pretty situational enhancements and would hardly be required or make DRK more favorable in all situations. Increased DoT damage for the party would be a nice perk, but it wouldn't be changing the tide of battle by any means. Adding slight healing support would be just that - support if and when it's needed.

I do agree that DRK already has a lot of button pressing to do, but given the cost of Dark Arts, you have to manage how often you use it anyway. More options doesn't necessarily mean you have to use it more, it means you have to be aware of your situation and use it the right way.