How does the Bard stack up with the other full casters out of the picture? [3.5]

[sofawall]

Bard without full casters?

So, rated against Barbarian, Fighter, Monk, Paladin, Ranger and Rogue...

Monk is worse, undoubtedly. Rogue is better. Barbarian is likely better. Ranger is better. Not sure on Fighter. I hate Paladin, so they go down too.

I still wouldn't want to play one, but you might need one.