I'd say this fits with what we know of Verant's opinion of Bards.
Supposedly they still think the bard is borderline overpowered.

On Thu, Feb 24/00, Peck White <peck_white@...> wrote:
> From: Peck White <peck_white@...>
>
> Doh!
>

--
Artificial Intelligence stands no chance against Natural Stupidity.
GAT d- -p+(--) c++++ l++ u++ t- m--- W--- !v
b+++ e* s-/+ n-(?) h++ f+g+ w+++ y*