Part of that is because some bards (namely ones
that don't read this list *smile*) don't give our class a very good
showing. They may not twist songs, or use their songs effectively. They
also may not have good weapons or have weak armor (examples would be a
L20 bard still wearing patchwork leather with some banded).

Good example My level 9th Bard (with no twinking) is currently wearing 3
pieces of banded. a level 20 in PW is ridiculous.