If you keep your EQ up to date with + DEX and +Acc stuff (Fedration Tekko comes to mind as a lifesaver) then you won't feel the traditional SAM missing streaks until the early 30s, at which point you're pretty close to getting your hands on a Jujitsu Gi (assuming you took the care to camp it or farm for the cash). It only gets better, I have a Life Belt (lvl48) now and ditched my Gi for a Shinobi (need the DEF so I can be a trick buddy) and I tell you, BRD or not, I still hit 9 outta 10. SAM missing streaks are only as bad as your equipment. Take the time to farm and camp and get what you need to be effective and you'll be doing fine.

Now... this is in no way to disregard a BRD's usefulness. Sure enough, as mobs get tougher ACC songs seriously make a differance. Just saying that up till the mid 30s it's not nearly as bad as people make it out to be if you just stay vigilant... unless you're playing a Galkan or an Elvaan... then your DEX as a SAM just sucks. Regardless of the damage per hit you put out, you will miss a fair bit more. (bear in mind all I've played is Hume, but from what I've PTed with and read elsewhere, my previous statement holds water fairly well).

One could say that SAM does excelent damage in regards to it's true purpose, and this is definately true. One of the hardest hitters, for sure, but not the best. Although your best bet at getting invites with people you don't know is definately your damage output, SAM's true strength lies in simply being capable of doing at least 1 pt of damage per hit, every hit. This is the minimum to acquire TP, your life's blood, your drug. Seriously, if you don't have a skillchain chart, don't have the patience to save up for over-priced gear, even don't want to be a back-up tank on the rare occasion, or trick attack buddy often times, then you may want to rethink this job.

If, however, you love skillchains, melee, and face it ->Style<-, if you're a TP addict, this is definately the job for you.