Reasons why SMN is frustrating and difficult.

[Osmond]

~The opener requires you to summon Ifrit, use Radiant Shield then resummon Garuda right before the fight starts That's ridiculous.

What? I never seen any SMN players including myself even do that. I usually stay ifrit or garuda up depending on what the party setup is. More melee DPS=ifrit, more magic DPS=garuda.