Quote Originally Posted by LeoBertolaso View Post
It doesn't sound like most of the first posters have given SAM a try, OP isn't saying "Yeah SAM is OP" OP is saying the kit is a meme. It does 100% of your HP as damage, can be (to an extent) cc'd, and is relatively strong to make up for the rest of the kit. If it does 100% of HP as damage, you only need some barrier (like MNK's 6k dash barrier) to survive. You have one thing to worry about fighting a sam, and thats the kuzushi proc. Outside of that, I ignore SAM trying to whack away at me and just walk away. If they fail to get a decent proc on anyone they're dead amongst a crowd.

What else is there to deter mindless AoE spam in a DRK + AoE meta, that most players have access to? SGE shields, MCH LB is a good one for targeting backline squishies, what else? MNK picks/LBing a barrier, WAR pulls, ninja mobility/shuriken/executes, and SAM LB, etc. etc. I'm glad it happens.
The last thing I need to see is another 8 man premade, 6 AST's with BH5 sitting in the back being able to get away with it. SAM LB is a decent deterrent in situations where those protected, high BH backliners can just sit pretty. SAM can be fun, give it a try.
Machinist cant 1 shot (well combo shot) a full HP squish. And to even try the drill+LB combo you have to get close and be pulled by so skillfull DRK. Then you dead. Now add BH 4-5 all those astros will have. And we are talking LB vs short CD baseline abilities.
We are talking about full strat and coordination when DRK shields, pulls in, guards (if needed) and goes back. While his girlfriends have to press 1 or 2 buttons and half of your raid is gone.
As for samurai - its annoying to get 1 shot when you dont even know he is over there. 1V1 you can trick, bait away the deuff etc. In party attack you accidently sneeze in SAM general direction and die next moment. And you sre most likely not 100% HP anyway (thx scholars. we all love you) so these tiny 6k shields will not save you.