So...is the Ranged Role gone? Are we in a Reverse HW?

[HyperiusUltima]

While that may be the case, in theory, virtually no one drops a Range to run double Caster. In fact, scanning through every speedkill for each fight, I've seen maybe one or two without a Range. Simply put, it doesn't happen even at the hyper competitive level. Now I do agree, the Range DPS should be doing more damage overall. However, saying you'll be replaced just isn't happening.

As for how much they're buffed. You will never see Machinist pull Samurai numbers because of its free mobility. If it did, it renders Samurai pointless. Melee require specific strats catered to their uptime, cannot do certain mechanics for the same reason and are largely the least flexible role. Thus, they can never "dismiss" mobility outright. Even a flat 500 rDPS boast would go a long way, though, personally, I think the entire Range role should go the support route instead of trying to pigeonhole Machinist against Samurai and Black Mage. But that's just me.

A sound argument, except for one thing: MCH has always been a selfish job and they only gave that 10% mitigation to it as a generalization from what BRD gave from Troubadour since Dismantle wasn't an equivalent of it in a few cases(Omega M/F, Guardian, Halicarnassus). The only support they provide is just that mitigation currently, and their top level of damage is at RDM's damage. It's a bit silly to think that a job that's focused on giant bursts windows just like SAM has only the equivalent of a RDM just stepping in with much more utility. Now, I'm not saying that MCH NEEDS to do SAM levels of damage. To be fair, the difference between MCH and MNK/SAM should be 300-400 at most so as MCH isn't encroaching on Melee DPS' weakness to mechanics. 500 if you want to push it just because of new Tactician.

Jobs like BRD/DNC that have job mechanics designed for supporting the party should go the support route so that their rDPS is measured in how they line up their buffs compared to their damage, which is usually on the low side due to increasing others' damage by a decent amount.