How Would You Do... Summoner?

[Silverquick]

3.0 specifically tried to undo niche gameplay; this was their specific rationale to nerfing Holy and Flare (player disappointment when the two central AoE classes weren't present for a would-be speedrun because they were so damn strong). As usual with SE's implementation, or indeed any MMO's, they may have overshot the target when considering the sheer amount of AoE they've given Summoner. But the stated intention were balance, and not some oxymoronic balance of niches (which cannot exist so long as a party is able to change composition at any given time, because the fight-wide disadvantages of a given class can always be bypassed by replacing said class), but by attempting to better level output.

Ok sooo... in other words........ you're saying Gimp the SMN AoE so I can selfishly make it into a useless pet class... without really understanding the current job, balance, play or nich... and basically reduce the job to its ARR gimped workings.... so everyone bolts the class again for BLM...

Screw everyone else who actually plays the job for real... I WANT MY DAMN PET CLASS!!!

Got it...