So after waiting for about 2 weeks to see the consequence of homogenization

[TcomJ]

No, it wasn't because of latency. The North American servers are based in North America, not in Japan. It was because Bards brought way more value to the raid than Machinists did.

And I honestly see no reason why pug groups would pick up Summoners but not Red Mages when they're both bringing roughly the same amount of raid damage and both have Raise.

Everybody knows even now you can't pay MCH with ping higher than 150, so if you don't have amazing internet providers like they usually do in Japan, MCH usually sucks. Nobody blocks MCH in Asia region.

Becuase in SB, the only utility bard gets more than MCH is well, FR, Three songs, Trabadour, Battle Voice, Minne.

But Refresh, Invigorate, Palisade, with your exclusive invul down you guys have it too so don't even.
Do you guys would even bother using Refresh? Nope. Do Bard players love to use it? yes.