Advice...

[Vendalwind]

When an entire DPS class, Ranged Physical, is only taken for the token 1%, there's a problem,...

That is an incorrect statement. For multiple reasons.

Easiest reason. If the 1 % didnt exist at all. If the duplicate LB penalty didn't exist the best team right now would just be 4 summoners. Thereby following that premise and your premise the logic suggests that you only take any class other than summoner because of the 1% and/or to avoid the lb penalty. Since we know that's not how things work we therefore know the premises are wrong. I.C. ranged physical is NOT only taken for the token 1%

People take the class because its fun. Because it works well with the other classes on the team. Because it makes fights easier in ways external to dmg, and myriad other reasons.

If bard or mch was within 100 rDPS of the best contributor and the bonus didn't exist. No one would bother with the difficulties of caster or melee uptime strats.

I play the weakest melee class right now. Why don't I play SAM or MNK? simple. MNKs gameplay is too simple minus the irritating minutia needed for perfection. and SAM bores me. or in other words. Simply because I like NIN.

The balance is the best its ever been by key point that right now NO ONE will get mad at you for whatever class you play. Some people might be happy to see a SMN or a SAM. But no one is gonna get pissy with you for playing NIN, or BRD, or RDM. and in fact in ultimate currently BRD outshines any other phs ranged. and the ONLY one who entirely leaves the dps pack is SMN.

Balance could still use tweaking. I would love to see a buff for BRD, MCH, and DNC. and NIN as well. I would also love to see a slight SAM nerf and SMN nerf. But if they don't happen. Big whoop im still enjoying the game and personally out performing most of them anyways. But to complain about the minutia when it's currently the best its ever been is stupid