[A1551]

A well played bard is ridiculous in groups..and thats coming from an enchanter who does most of the important things they do much better (and MUCH easier omg do I have respect for a well played bard). Anyone saying otherwise probably hasn't grouped with a competent bard, or didn't realize just how much the bard was doing. Which isn't that surprising, its hard as hell (busy, busy,busy) to play well in a group as a bard, and they level so easily solo that you rarely see them leveling in groups..and you end up with level 50 bards who basically did nothing but AE and don't know crap about actually playing their class.

It was rare that I ever got to level with a bard in a dungeon coming up on my enchanter, but they're ridiculous pullers, they're good cc, theyre good dps in many situations (as someone mentioned a good bard is charming the second mob in camp and using it to dps with), they fill in almost any gap your group might have, and they can substantially reduce downtime (that stacks with clarity/regen!). What's not to love?

I don't have the patience for all that twisting while running around chasing mobs, switching weapons/instruments constantly, having to do every job in the group that is otherwise missing, etc -- I really have nothing but the utmost respect for a well-played bard. The reason I personally wish AE kiting didin't work here for bards is I think it would drive a lot more bards into leveling in dungeons and knowing how to actually fight in a dungeon, which would be good for pickup groups everywhere :P