Quote Originally Posted by Eremor View Post
However I still don't agree that RDM needs to be a top-line DPS in order to be accepted in the front lines
To be honest, if Fencer/RDM was within 5% overall DPS of a DRG, I'd probably be happy. The difference is so miniscule that your average group leader would not turn a FNC/RDM down due to low damage (they could use something else like "all DPS spots are taken", which is more than fair).
So if the general consensus is that Red Mage should be a DPS job (which would be fine with me) then it should certainly be postponed until the second round of job additions.
Agreed.
Which is exactly what I would like out of Red Mage, a support role job isn't about being powerful yourself, it's about making everyone else even better.
Until the group figures a way around having you in the party and replacing you with a "real" damage dealer.

I'm not trying to antagonize you, by the way. I'm just speaking from experience and seeing that approach tried and failed.