I'm aware of the argument that Equipment can make up for race. However, if a taru blm were to have the same equipment as a galka blm the Taru would still be a lot better (considering the players are of somewhat equal skill).
Untrue, the difference is there, but its very slim and not really cared for. A BLM is a BLM, and can do awesome damage either way, Galka or Taru can easily break 1K and 1200 is not going to matter a whole bunch from a 1275 damage. Same thing for say a PLD, Taru is not ineffective as a tank, its just a different style of tanking(and PLDs depending on race is played and geared very VERY differently which affects party play alot for better or worst). An Elvaan THF will do less damage per Sneak Attack and Trick Attack however their STR bonuses can make up a little bit in between with Damage over time. So the real difference is...MP and HP end-game, and well theres lots of gear to help with that and no one is going be a bitch and not invite a Galka BLM or WHM. The only thing stopping me is bad experience with a player, OR good experience with another player that i am familiar with.

I know that certain combos are wanted for effectiveness, but it's a shame that people are prevented from playing the combos they want out of fear of being gimped and not wanted in a party. My friend wanted to be a hume Smn/Blm (Rydia fan), but of course that would mean nobody would party with her and she would often face being ridiculed by other players.
While it is somewhat the community's fault for certain aspects, theres also logic. With the way its designed would YOU want a SMN that can only do blood pacts for 1 minute and can throw resisted black magic in between that wastes MP? No right? Ridicule maybe some, but more likely most will try to help you out, then its up to you whether or not you deserve ridicule. There ARE ways to get odd combinations like NIN/BLM post 51 with Elemental Staves to work out, but you have to prove to the community its worthwhile. But seriously, what can a SMN/BLM do..? Not alot, and its in the party leader's best judgement for their party to invite someone. To invite someone that has a wierd combination that doesnt work out is just hurting you and 5 other people(the person included with odd combination that doesnt work out like WAR/SMN).

That being said, there are differnet subs that work, MNK/WHM chi blasting for MND stat, or DRK/NIN with Kraken/BloodWeapon/Souleater dmg on HNM, or SAM/RNG Ballista. Its not as limited as one would think.

I personally didn't mind parting with "gimped" characters, although they rarely did come along. I'd prefer people to have fun with the combo they wanted rather than choose a certain combo for effectiveness.
Until you exp on Tigers or something like Torama and no one bothered to sub WHM so Paralyze and Silence screw you over because no other WHM was seeking..>_>