We have no interest in making a non-instrument bard as good as an instrument bard. There is a trade off for not using an instrument. You get a shield or whatever else, but lose the benefits of an instrument. But... We agree with your final statement. It's too easy to prep against bards.

So to that end, we did some digging and have some relatively substantial changes.

First, there was an error in the logic that got done 10 years ago with the damage revamp that was making it easier to save against bard songs. That has been fixed.

Second, we have reduced the effectiveness of resist mental in relation to saves. This is the more major aspect, which will touch a few things. It won't change any damage resist you get from it, but will mean reduced benefit to mental saves.

This will also benefit the Breaker path, making its skills apply more regularly.