Despite the "occasional" harsh language, this Tier-ing idea is a really good direction. Without a giant stat data-base to do kilo or mega run-throughs (like what DL57 did for 4e clerics), these whole threads are filtering out some specific details.
If you had Tiers with just Good , Average , and Bad ... I think it'd be an easy list; with fewer arguments.
If you had Tiers with Good , Average , Bad , and Ugly ... I think the list wouldn't change much.
i get the captain obvious award for the day
I agree with Frank's anti-TO idea, in terms of evaluating classes. I mean Commoner 1 into Pun or Blingy, just isn't helpful.
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Ardent + CPsi
non updated = Tleilaxu_Ghola liked it so much he made
2 different 100+ post Gish threads about it. Ardent got lots more attention than PsyWar for a good year. I think I know why ... powers from 7s 8s and maybe even 9s lists, as a trade for losing a pile of feats.
Ardent + Mind's Eye updates = Substitute Powers is pick your own powers (more or less). Dominant Ideal is any metapsi for -2pp and no expend psi-focus. This includes Linked Power metapsi. Basically Fighter + Tier 1 Cohort = CO-Ardent.
So, I have to say weak Tier 3 for non-updated Ardent, solid Tier 2 for updated Ardent.
Recharge bumps either up 1 tier.
Bloodlines or Psiotheurgist feat from DR#349, turns Ardent into an early entry fast spell advance class. Ur-Priest or Sublime Chord like, but earlier. Weak Tier 4 til the trick, then effectively Tier Zero. Much more complicated than Druid + Nature Spell.