Needed? or just theatrical flair?

[Berk]

Ok, I wanna know why people always feel the need for rangers, bards, and paladins. I mean yeah, they are classes that get their fair share of playing but still, come on. What's with the need for them in an adventuring group besides just flavor and theatrical flair?

 

[Harlock]

Inspire Greatness: A bard with 12 or more ranks in Perform can use song or poetics to inspire greatness in another creature, granting extra fighting capability <snip>
+2 hit dice (d10s that grant temporary hit points)
+2 competence bonus on attacks.
+1 competence bonus on fortitude saves.

Hmm, I suck at magic item creation. Anyone care to figure up what an item that does this would cost? I mean Market value and XP and gp if you DID make it.

And if that were not enough:
Perform: Mime.

Yeah Baby!