An alternative to parsing?

[Sebazy]

That's a strange thing to say. If you genuinely can't output enough DPS to clear the dummies, you're very likely getting carried to your clears. If everyone was in your exact position - would the boss still die?

It's pretty common place for some jobs to be unable to clear their SSS dummy even in the hands of a world class progression player upon a new tier's release.

Agreed on the rest of the points though, playing to a high standard in terms of APM and rotation will frequently more than make up for any reasonable gear deficit in casual content and pugs when you're often up against people who simply aren't trying