While i realize this can be irrelevant depending on exactly what kind of fighting and where. I haven't seen anyone mention limit breaks here. Isn't Bard limit break a healing spell. Depending on the fight that could be a pretty big drawback based on the fact that there are already a lot of classes that can heal with limit breaks. To be fair... i neve played 1.0 so my bias comes from FFXI, but without seeing any numbers i have to say BLM is the best caue they get sleep and fantastic looking robes!!!