Burst - Any Plans?

[Drazzan]

Hello There,

I'm posting to ask if the developers have any plans for Burst. I ask this because when put side by side with the other fifteen minute abilities in this game; it is severely lacking in damage output; even with combo conditions are sufficiently met. I write this because from my knowledge I have not seen anyone asking for a legitimate fix, or buff to Burst; people seem more concerned with yelling about petitions for larger Lalafell busts or something.

Now, before I go into further details about Burst. Let us take a quick look at the other fifteen minute abilities.

Warrior
Mighty Strikes
Guarantees all attacks made with axes will be critical hits.

Paladin
Hallowed Ground
Makes you impervious to all physical attacks.

Dragoon
Dragonfire Dive
Delivers a jumping fire attack to target and enemies near it.

Monk
Hundred Fists
Temporarily increases auto-attack speed.

Bard
Battle Voice
Increases maximum HP of all party members within range and enhances effect of all songs sung while active.

Black Mage
Burst
Deals lightning damage.

White Mage
Benediction
Restores HP of all party members within range.

Now, all of the above bar Dragoon are extremely potent effects. They either last a set amount of time, and considerably increase the effectiveness of a jobs roll for a set period, or they are potent instant activate abilities that can turn the tide of battle. Much like the two hours in Final Fantasy XI, they are important abilities and compliment the skill-set of the job. However; I do not have these jobs leveled, so I cannot fully comprehend their usefulness, but from participating in End-Game events, many are, as aforementioned, used to turn the tide of battle, or to better enhance the effectiveness of a roll.

While I cannot comment on Dragoon's damage (and it may be getting an update this evening); Black Mage on the other hand uses Burst, a powerful lightning spell that outputs a very mediocre amount of damage for the fifteen minute timer. Looking at the damage output of a Warrior or Monk during their fifteen minute ability phase, the damage dealt is much more severe and lasting than that of Burst; Sometimes pushing anywhere between 800 and 1,500; it seems that Black Mage received the short-straw; not just in terms of damage, but usefulness also. Sure it has a nice MP and casting time cost, but it still seems very underwhelming; even when used in part of a combo.

I believe having an ability that better compliments the skill-set and play-style of a Black Mage, making it a pivotal ability to use at an important time, rather than just an excuse for an average piece of damage would be a great direction to go.

I hope other Black Mages can comment on this, and I'd also be interested in hearing how Dragoon's Dragonfire Dive shapes up in it's similar nature.

Much Thanks

Drazzan