I am going to have to agree with Wayne on that. (being that bards can out-spell
other melee-based hybrids, and out-melee spell-based hybrids or casters [even
armor wearing ones])

As for soloing, i have had absolutely no problem soloing up to 20. (i realize
that is not high level or anything, but i will get to a point i hope) Soloing
is all a matter of finding the right MOB for your skills. the case example for
bards are the Beetles in North Karana for Bards. they range in level from 11
to 19. At 12th Level, i was able to kite the 18th lvl ones (19th resisted too
much) and could kite/melee the rest. as the level of the mob got lower, i
could melee more, and kite less. This was the PERFECT spot for XP for levels
12-20 for a bard. Keep in mind, NO LOOT. I do not need to find another spot,
since i have caught up to my friends close enough to be useful.

Bards CAN solo effectively, but they have to find the right mobs to hunt. I
don't feel like i have been going with one hand tied behind my back or anything
:-) Of course, soloing is BORING and ANTISOCIAL, so i am glad that i don't
HAVE to do it. (but i feel that lvl 1 to lvl 20 in 6 days played is pretty
good for a self-styled non-powergamer (mastered Baking in that time too!))

My second point is about the no weapons as good as the Crook that aren't 30+.
I have to disagree. Dirk is just as good. Barbed Leather Whip is just as
good. If it is pre-dualwield then having an SBS is VERY powerful, post
dualwield and you can use 2 very good weapons. My melee skills are much better
at 20 (MUCH) than my friend's (lvl 20 Barbarian Shaman). But, my Strength is
up to 103, which probably makes a difference.

Post is too long already...but i ramble.
(i don't think i ever did make a point :-( )

Kaleid (SUGGESTIONS PLEASE!!!)
20th Song
Wave of the Dark Tide
Prexus

=====
"Thou shall not kill. Thou shall not commit
adultery. Don't eat pork."
I'm sorry, what was that last one? Don't eat pork? God has spoken. Is that the word of God or is that pigs trying to out smart everybody?"
-- Jon Stewart