Are Druids Useless for Groups and Raids?

[Fountree]

There have been previous threads that have talked about this, but druids remain very useful and important in the high levels both in groups/raids.

Why would you want a druid in your group?

1. they have the ability to deal more damage (higher damage nukes)
2. they can evac/port group for better mobility
3. they have longer lasting root CC/snare ability
4. they have group FR/CR buffs as well as MR single cast buff.
5. they have the best single HP/AC all-in-one buff in the game (Natureskin, which also carries a nice HP regen component)
6. they can charm animals, adding greatly to dps in certain dungeons/outdoors
7. they have group regen spells, while shamans only have single cast regen
8. they have the ability to harmony outdoors (unresistable lull)
9. they have a nice Damage Shield capability, including a group DS (up to 32pt ds single at lvl 60, and 28pt group ds at lvl 60) which increases damage all around

For raids, they are excellent patch healers, buffers, and CCers. They also serve the function of helping to mobilize the raid force, which is obviously very important.