EQ is not perfectly balanced. Everyone knows this. However, when you consider the whole play experience of each class, they come out a lot closer than some people (particularly newer players) give them credit for. Druids for example, are very convenient class to play; due to their ports, sow, and tracking abilities. They can solo grind extremely efficiently, and can provide healing (they can even main heal until high levels) for groups. Clerics don't do any of this but heal and heal well.
Yes clerics are much more sought after in groups, and basically necessary later on in the game. Nevertheless, people have the habit of focusing in on what they don't have (the ability to single-handedly keep a group healed). A cleric can't go out and quad raptors and solo bear pit. A cleric can't move across the world with extreme ease (they don't even have invis). A cleric needs a group to farm or exp, and has to sit there waiting for a group to send an invite. Or they can form a group just like a druid. While the cleric is more popular than a druid, clerics can't solo in the mean time and then port everyone to the same spot when the group is formed.
If you look at the classes that tend to be less prefered in groups, they almost all have other aspects to them that makes up for it. Necros are famous soloers. Wizards and Bards are both good soloers and amazing in raids.
The only classes I would say are a tad on the underpowered side when you consider all things, are Rangers. This will get a little better in Velious...but honestly it was a bit messed up until Luclin imo.
A few of you on this fourm seem to want you cake and eat it too. You want all the advantages of playing something like a druid or necro and also want to be as prized in exp grind groups as enchanters and clerics. If you think its so great being a group only class, try playing one.
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