>Chances are the bard is one of the above examples instead, and won't
>be very helpful in the group.

I don't think you'll find any of those Bards here. I'm of the opinion that
this list is one of the last bastions of the serious Bard on the net. Even
the Concert Hall is slipping into the depths of whinedom.

All of us here know the differences between a good and bad Bard. I don't
mean to sound uncaring of your predicament, but you're preaching to the
converted. Your attitude to Bards is typical of many people who have
suffered at the hands of a few bad apples. Since you've already gotten to
level 50 yourself, why not invite one of those Bards you so frequently pass
up and offer to teach them a few tricks of the trade? No-one likes to be
told that they're doing wrong, but if you offer ways to improve their
techniques, making the group more efficient, I'm sure you'll have a much
better time of it.