Problems with Bardic Music Fascinate ability

[BSF]

It's somewhat changed in 3.5 since they broke Perform into separate skills, which makes it a lot less likely that every 10th level bard in the world has 13 ranks in a Perform skill. I think it's a good thing that Fascinate is an almost sure thing though. If you take the strict interpretation of the ability's limitations, it's really not good for much, and the Suggestion DC is much less impressive. Then again, the fact that it's almost unbeatable means that the DM needs to keep the lid fairly tight.
BTW, why would you use up a feat to take Skill Focus in Perform? It always seemed like the last thing my bard needed was a Perform bonus, even with my measly +15.

This is exactly why the ability is limited, and needs to remain that way. I have some fairly wacky abilities for my bard PC, including some that are set with the Perform Check DC. But, any hostile action toward the target will immediately break it. As a player, I am very careful with how I use it. I expect my DM to watch it carefully as well and deliver the appropriate RP and mechanical remedies if it ever becomes a problem.

As for skill focus in Perform, you take it for flavor!