Our DPS really only shines in solo/duo or if you want to burn mana. Also, 2400dmg is indeed nothing, I see warlock nukes that do 1100 instantly and I am relying on a dot that does 500dmg "eventually". I don't even think our greatest asset to DPS is spells -- rather it is from melee and having so many procs. However, again, I can't melee much in large group encounters because 1) you can't heal, buff, debuff, and melee at the same time, 2) you are generating aggro by meleeing, and 3) I really don't wanna be in that melee mess because proximity to a mob does seem to increase the chances that it turns on you, just like in EQL. Also, it may have Wild Swing or point blank AoEs that I really don't want damaging me.
Ohh, also -- it depends on the quality of everyone's spells. If you have lots of Adepts and your paladin friend is in app2s, it isn't really a good comparison. Also food for thought, Paladins parse fairly well. Even in small group encounters, I can't touch a Paladins DPS. I am not quite sure why your friend cannot solo, but I know plenty of high level Paladins that can and do.
Ohh, ooh, one more thing -- I am actually not "At the bottom" on most parses. I am usually above enchanters =P I consistently parse 0-30dps in a group environment (where I have to heal/buff/debuff), and upwards for 50-70 solo and duo. Even adding proc buffs from everyone and adding it to my score doesn't bump me up that much, usually, which is how I have been gauging whether or not to undertake the tedious task of buffing people ad naseum.
Message Edited by rensu on 01-12-2005 11:53 AM
Also, 1 more thing. I have taken up hunting in LS/ Solusek's eye and those mobs barrage for 1500-2k+ and do hits for 1k fairly quick. I don't wanna be grabbing aggro from that at all. On some mobs deeper in, they can do 3500+ pt barrages and kill you instantly. Heck, half of the time in there, if a caster gets aggro and doesn't lose it, he will die before I can even land 1 heal on him. Not that 500hp is really gonna help when the mob hits him for 1500 (this is a problem for all priests -- even in multi-priest groups, that caster gonna get creamed).
Message Edited by rensu on 01-12-2005 12:10 PM