Advice...

[Karshan]

Well I really wouldn't be, I actually, in pure DPS outdamage my SMN in pure Single Target damage. With an RDM you are literally talking 620 potency damage per normal Dual Cast.

The reason that doesn't hold in actual game is that much like with BLM... training dummy meets reality...

I may be able to do a ton of damage with RDM, but in actual Instance play... my SMN comes out on top, because while me and the BLM, RDM are running around dodging mechanics going "Oh crap, Oh crap, O Crap!!"... My SMN still has a good 200 potency worth of DOTs (+ pet) ticking away all the while... and can give pet commands for Egi Assaults resulting in Ruin IVs all on the move.

Not to be mean, but maybe you're not playing well your summoner in the first place. On a dummy SMN is easily doing 1k more if played well...

Uptime is a non issue at high level, every class manages 99% uptime. However what you describe is indeed of prime importance for someone who just wants to play casually though.

So to the author I think the answer is rather there : if you play casually, pick a class that allows you easy uptime and will less affect your DPS. In a 100% uptime situation, MCH and RDM currently have similar DPS (resp. 14k5 and 14k7, yes rdm is a bit better), but if you can't manage 100% uptime and for instance have to break casts etc, you'll feel weaker as a RDM.

I do agree that mch is almost a selfish DPS (way more than bard and dancer at least) and as such feels underwhelming. Not asking for blm/sam levels but a bit closer to 15k2 would be appreciated.

I find it comfier (and for the team as well) to prog as RDM though, his flow being quite laid back allowing you to focus more on mechanics, while MCH has wildfire and overheat to watch.
Although when raiding with another group with no RDM I didn't find it as needed as I thought, there are still evenings where we could have spared a lot of time (wiping where we wouldn't have with a rdm).