Just started playing the class, so don't know how fit I am to add my thoughts here about the topic (GNB main during both Endwalker tiers, for reference), but I cannot believe how disconnected the kit really is. Like, the class is a collection of oGCD buttons only tied to their own CD that you can sort of press whenever. In a no buff comp, you can just press those buttons at any time, in any way and it wouldn't ever matter as long as you don't cap up resources or lose usages through the fight.

And I think the biggest offender for this is Living Shadow. The coolest ability DRK gets being a glorified DoT is unforgivable. It should replicate what you do instead of what it currently does. Better be a flavorful damage buff than a fire and forget DoT.

Mitigation wise, and this is pretty minor as I like the mit kit of the job, Dark Mind and Oblation should be swapped level-wise. Going through early dungeons as DRK is a bit of a pain, with just 2 CDs, reprisal and Arm's Length. The second charge could be added with a trait at a later level if it is of any concern for whatever reason. Also Dark Missionary not being available in lvl 70 content feels wrong.

Also, Blood Weapon should have an on-hit healing effect just for flavor alone.

And just to preface, I'm here just to vent, not to propose changes to SE. I think it is a shame that the class is a convoluted and disconnected mess, as I really dig the aesthetics and the mana related part of the kit.