Quote:
There isn't a way for the PLD to keep threat off the BLM's AoE rotation (much less the BRD's) without spamming flash. Since spamming flash costs MP, a BRD is nice to replenish mana while still being able to DPS. BRDs were also nice for high DPS (both AoE and single target) and they could amplify BLM/WHM/SCH damage with foe requiem.
Depends on the tank and the DPS really. If your tank was **** hot or the dps a little low you could get away with Requiem during burns and Ballad on the pulls. Pretty sure the fastest groups used this approach. There are a lot of PLD's who'd scream for ballad (even at the first group) without ever using riot blade, pretty annoying.
Requiem was just a far better result for whole group if it could be pulled off. Your magic DPS will be doing more damage, plus the bard doesn't get whacked with the 20% damage penalty.