I just want to use a bow...

[Mimilu]

This post reminds me of that 1.0 Job Idea List that was going around of all the classes (this was before jobs) they had thought of potentially adding to the game. Bard (or something like it) was listed as a separate job to Archer (who was already in the game).
Wish I could find that list to post it. =3=

[zuzu-bq]

Just disable the animation and pretend you're throwing arrows of PURE EDGE with your mind.

[Llugen]

I know in Ragnarok Online there was a meaningful split between Hunter and Bard, and I agree; that would be nice for this game. However, it's a little too late to change that now sadly, or so it would appear.

Just disable the animation and pretend you're throwing arrows of PURE EDGE with your mind.

Topkeks

But seriously, outside the "song aesthetic", the job is definitely still strong.

[Shouko]

This is the exact reason why XI was better off in terms of jobs/roles/weapons, you could choose almost any weapon for any job, BRD used daggers for their best type of weapon, used magic in order to buff or support people.

This is what a BRD should be. http://ffxiclopedia.wikia.com/wiki/Bard

It's sad that FFXIV changed everything that was good about XI while adding things that were good from other MMO's.