Well as for the Cover info, I indeed did some tests. We went to do some level 50 faction leves. We did them all : Wolf, Buffalo, Drake. Did about 10 fights. First fight we were 3 (PLD (me), WAR and WHM), then after we had one WHM, me, and the 3 others rotated between DRG, WAR, MNK and BLM. Not once did we have a BRD.

Guess what ? I'm happy to say I never ran out of MP. Cover works exactly like Kaeko says. MP returns works even if I'm not covering someone with hate. I only have to activate the ability. Phobos is also right to mention using Divine Veil + Outmaneuver to help, however I used it outside of Cover… The AF body gives you 25% of damage into MP… guess what happens if you block ? That's right, reduced damage, therefore reduced MP returns. Hence why I used Divine Veil + Outmaneuver outside of Cover.

And I suppose I also had crappy DDs if I'm to believe what was said above… because guess what ? I focused on main bosses on all fights, and kept hate. :P Wasn't able to keep all the lesser mobs though… Steel Cyclone is, after all, one hell of a fantastic ability. lol

I could afford the luxury of spamming Stoneskin on myself and even heal with Holy Succor. By the time we were done, I asked myself "What's a BRD ?"

Granted, this is just one example, and I certainly will still admit that WAR is better suited for a dungeon speed-run. Its higher HP is also a better safety net of bosses' powerful magical attacks that do over 2500 of damage. I certainly had fun testing it though.