I'm not sure how other Bards play their characters, but I don't mind not having a dmg LB with Bard, because I am already out-damaging every other DPS in the group by far. I start firing off skills about 10-15 sec. after the tank gets agro and STILL sometimes pull hate unless I'm careful. Even while playing a song I'm still keeping up with any other DPS in the party. BRD is ridiculously strong. Ask anyone in my party that beat the Garuda fight for their first time if they don't like the BRD LB. It may not be good for every fight, but right before tornado phase in Garuda, when she does the blast clearing the rocks, keeps everyone alive just long enough for the healer to get his/her bearings and continue fighting.

SMN, however, could def use a make over. Maybe like Bahamut's blast? I guess that would be close to their LVL 2 LB anyway. MNK should have one of Sabin's sick combos from FFVI