First - I appreciate the thought that went into your post, and how you maintain a reasonable tone even in the face of outright hostility. I am not sure I completely agree, as even with your explanation, Sunsinger does not feel as much like a ranged class as Voidwalker does. However, I believe you make excellent, valid points, and it may very well have been the original design/intention for Arc=close, Solar=range, Void=support, but as you said, there are exceptions (and let's agree to ignore Taken use of elements for this, as their WHOLE POINT is to toss everything on its ear). If we think of support as including "artillery support" - as in actual literal tanks - then the case is clearer for sure; Minotaurs, Ogres, Hydras, and Nova Bomb are all very much artillery-like. If Ogres and Hydras aren't the Destiny equivalent of mobile weapons platforms, I don't know what is. Toss in the often forgotten (at least by me) Cyclops - a stationary artillery emplacement - and the case becomes even stronger for Void=support. The biggest hang up for me remains in classifying Sunsinger as "ranged" - Grenades just seem far more of a close to mid range support type of weapon, even with the ability to "spam" them. Two of the grenades also function excellently in a zoning role, though the other (Fusion) is definitely more direct assault. I would add to arguments regarding to it being a Support sub-class that each of the other support roles (Defender and Nightstalker) have specific nodes focused on creating more orbs of light, so does Sunsinger (Sunburst). Radiance was for a long time the go-to Orb maker, even above other classes (this was curtailed somewhat when an upper limit was set on orbs per activation). So on the "generating orbs" front, Sunsinger trumps Voidwalker, as it has no similar node. If we consider that fact as a staple of support roles, then the argument leans much more in Sunsinger's favor, I think. It has also occurred to me that part of the design decision/process may have been to alter the "weight" given to each role for the different classes. Titans are meant exemplify the in-your-face assault, AND stoic defense - making them the most aggressive, tanky assaulter, and the most defensive supporter (not that the names give any hints - *Cough-Striker-Cough-Defender-Cough*). It is pretty much a given that throwing hammers is their version of ranged, I don't think anyone would argue. Hunters are seen as lone wolves, and are meant to be more precise, DIRECT damage dealers - thus their ranged is the most precision demanding, AND longest ranged, and their assault requires positioning and awareness. Their support even features a large element of the precision focus - a direct hit with Shadowshot is almost always a kill in PVP. Warlocks, with their knowledge, are perhaps meant to blend roles more - giving their ranged class support elements, and their support class ranged elements - whichever we decide is which. Both have a number of assault elements as well - nodes which increase movement/weapon speed, regen health, or give a temporary overshield. (I have not yet played with Stormcaller, so my knowledge of that subclass is lacking, which is why I don't mention it). With that thinking, it may be that not all "types" (ranged, assault, support) are even MEANT to be equal - some Support are supportier than others, etc. So - I have basically just said I like your thinking, but I can also see opposing arguments, and in the end, there may be no correct answer. Guess that's my tl/dr. Would love to hear any further thoughts you have!

You are a moron. Not a single person agrees with you.

Um... 3. providing additional help, information, etc.; auxiliary: manufacturers of supportive materials. Literal definition of Supportive. By saying that Voidwalkers are supportive because the can wipe out certain areas.... That mean all Titans are are supportive. I mean, Striker. Basically a up close Nova Bomb. Sunbreaker. A bunch of mini Nova bombs in Solar.

Tell me how

Support class he says. Tell me about NightStalker again

Exactly. Defender is super fun and a very versatile build. Grenade and melee recharge on super cast is a pretty good buff to me in combination with the increased melee range.

This

[quote]Our survivability is solid as it is, in PvE and PvP. [/quote] Fist of Havoc takes out the bubble while killing everyone inside. Nova Bomb is weird. There is moments where we survived the blast and other times it just kills Hammer removes it after 3 blows Golden Gun - 2 times (while to be fair this is only an issue if you're solo in a place like rumble) Stormcaller's super takes it off half way. So you're wrong on Defenders being solid in survivability in pvp while in pve we are. It'll be solid once it cost a full super to remove with out the wielder dying and causing the team to do die trying to do its job, defend. [quote]If you enhance Defender survivability from where it is, all you're going to get is a billion players screaming for nerfs, and they would be right. [/quote] Striker's assault design was enhanced and it has been praised for it. So a defender could be met with the same approval. [quote]Nightstalker on the other hand always shuts down Supers, always tethers enemies, and can ruin groups very quickly with ability combos. They're built to clear rooms, PvP and PvE alike, and Defender will never compare to that. It isn't supposed to.[/quote] What is comparable is that they both function as a support unit, but Nightstalkers design is doing the best of both worlds in both departments of pvp and pve. We don't need improved offense capability but enhancing our class design to function even more effectively in pvp is a step forward. We got something from the recent change, but I still say there's more work to be done and I'm sure in time Bungie will start making those steps happen

actually i fully take on the support role defending control points. I sometimes go in for a run and help take over a control if needed but as i was saying just because i am supporting my team doesn't mean i have to die to do it.