Melee DPS and MP

[waterboytkd]

Lots of stuff

You are correct here. When MP management is "done right", it's like MP doesn't even exist. Your class will generate the MP you need for your rotation. The only times MP does run out, it's because you have access to an "emergency spell" (Raise for SMN or RDM, Clemency for PLD) that you're forced to spam.

Even DRK: it can blow all its MP on Edge, sure, but it has a priority system as part of its rotation that has you always keeping enough MP for a TBN, and, periodically, you build up MP for burst damage phases. But it doesn't really have the ability to blow its MP on saving the team because TBN has a long enough recast timer. And successful TBN use means you still get your Edges. So, even though DRK seems like it "cares" about MP, there's never really a decision point for the class about blowing your MP on utility and sacrificing dps.

So really, especially for melee dps classes, using MP just changes the gauge they manage to a different one. I guess SE could also just remove the MP gauge from classes that don't use it, and accomplish almost the same thing.