The raise issue is such a red hearing. The act of using raise - even instantly - significantly reduces a Red Mage's damage so the price is paid when the ability is used. Players who play RDM understand that is the trade of for using the skill, so imho it shouldn't be used as justification by others to continue the status quo.

I think RDMs do need a tweak to remain competitive. My suggested tweak would be to give Verthunder and Verareo a 100% chance to proc Verfire and Verstone - basically what they did with Machinist.

That would give a boost to dps and make the RDM skills flow better.