Full disclaimer ive never played mch a day in my life. But sounds like they lack identity, like bard outdoes them right now.

Would it be more interesting as the Sam/blm of physical ranged melee?

Think sniper class, you throw out turret for constant light fire or what have you. But you stand baxk hard casting big d**k dps. "Hold breath" skill for increased crit chance.

Camouflage skill for reduced threat gen. Headshot high potency skill
Grenade aoe ect.

Just musing ideas