Statistical Analysis of the Classes - popularity vs. power

[Ace]

I'm not saying you have to be a good role player. I've seen bad role players play bards. I'm saying that people don't understand the proper way a Bard is, a support character. I've heard people complain becasue they couldn't make a frontline fighter out of him, or a powerful spellcaster. People try to make the Bard (and other classes) something they are not. That is why the Cleric is seen as powerful. People have turned it into a fighting/healing machine.

I don't know why people have a problem with Bards. IMO they are the ultimate buff monkey class

Not only do they have a ton of buff spells, they can heal and summon nasty stuff -- combined with Bardic Music you have incredible versitility in one package.

If you are lacking in combat ability add one level of Ranger for Dual Weilding fun and Martial Weapons or one of Barbarian for Rage and Fast Movement and Martial weapons. Both will give you a nice +1 BAB and won't slow down your magic that much

Really as with any class you have to know you niche.

 

[Chun-tzu]

I don't think anyone's mentioned the "cool" factor. Fighters are popular because they're action heroes. Wizards and sorcerers are popular because people like to blow stuff up. Rogues are popular because they're rebels.

Clerics are unpopular because religion isn't "cool." Bards aren't popular because music isn't cool unless it's rock or heavy metal.

Also, about rangers doing well despite they're "lack of power": how do we know that the people participating in this poll are using the standard ranger, instead of an alt.ranger?