My main is a 32 point first life bard and in my head is likely to always be. I am about to TR her for the first time. I could redo her as a bard again with 2 more stat points and the pl benefits but if that is all I am getting I might just do another epic pl. I think I need a holiday from bardic goodness. So the question is as what?

I am a competent but time poor player so a new life even to 20 is a commitment. I am not sure that completionist is realistic in the next few years. So I guess the question really is, what past lives are going to be most useful for a return to a swashie bard in a life or two but which doesn't rely on grinding for specific gear.

I don't really care about fotm uber builds but like to feel not completely gimped (baseline - I played a h-orc Henshin through heroics before the changes and had a lot of fun!). I really want to play an aa ranger which will be my fall back option if I can find nothing with a better synergy.

Is that too wide a question?