Yeah, that's a fair point. We started at level 6 for a second campaign and I made a Loxo barbarian. It's just easier to pick up in the middle with a more basic character like that.

Bard's really are better when you've created their back story through adventuring. Nothing I've done has been what the DM planned, but he loves how I pull together elements he never though about. It helps him use stuff he put effort into he though would just not get used much.

Good luck though! Songs and Silence is your friend!