Re: Does anyone else hate Bards?
Bards are the loremasters and the charismatic faces of the party. They're the diplomats who say just the right things, the scholars who know just where to go and just what to do in those obscure situations, both in and out of dungeons. They can also be the everyman when it comes to class abilities, depending on the system and the edition. Some have them be just "lesser rogues" with some flavor, but others have them be that person who can fill any role in a pinch. They will never, ever be as good at it as the expert, but they're not as bad as, say, sending a wizard to fight on the front lines or asking a fighter to sneak ahead and scout things out.
They are also the performers and spymasters, the ones who can get you the audience with the noble or member of royalty when all other doors are closed, even if your intentions are very much nefarious.