I still find it hard to believe that a bard will ever make a better tank
than a warrior, rogue, or ranger. Perhaps with enough plate armor and buffs,
you might be equal to them but the best one? ehh, maybe (haven't seen it
yet) but I will try to keep an open mind ;]

I will emphasize that a bard MUST be in a forceful (and I mean full party of
strong fighters) to simply play instruments. If the party has only 3
members, a lot of casters, it is important to whip out the weapons and
fight. However if you have rogues backstabbing and warriors taunting ,
rangers, monks . . . . basically a coordinated group somewhat evenly taking
damage, I stand strong in my position that a lute healing 60 points (10
points per group member) of damage per pulse (and remember this will
increase in levels) is quite helpful and an efficient battle tactic (I have
TONS of personal examples).

However the topic makes me ask, do you think EQ should allow bards to
specialize? For example Mr Tank Bard gets to have a better attack skill
where Ms Luteplaying Bard gets a better string skill.

I for some reason have this strange image of a 250+pd tank who is constantly
getting knocked in the head, his fingers broken, with a lot of burly muscle
around his neck decked out in plate being a tad bit weaker in the musical
talent. Whereas the little fragile bard who does nothing but play songs and
try to avoid being hit, could just play masterpieces but fight wimpier? To
the best of my knowledge it is "fairly easy" to max out your skills in
instruments and attack, no matter what your play style. I DON'T want to TAKE
AWAY the BARD's SKILLS. I just think that specialization might allow one to
roleplay and create the type of bard they want to be, therefore making a
more rewarding game experience. Possibly the specialization could come out
in a year or so with the expansion pack when the bard is already 50th level,
something to look forward to?

Just a thought, yea or nay comments welcome 8)