[Tricon]

I have to admit, that in my mnd(at least)the theme for Mn has changed dramatically. In the first 3-4 game sI thought of them much like their description was. But after my wife (!)pummeled me(as marignon) as Man with a dominion + uprising blitz (taking advantage of my reluctants to attack early)this changed. The monk as cheap stealthy preacher, the bard as unrest generator... is a pretty powerfull comboin early-mid game.
However, it can be dismantled if you expect it... , but Man has just good enough troops to make that strategy NOT a necessity. IF Man gets an early sage or amazon province... they can hold up to most nation (... erm of course just about every nation can do that if they get a juicy province like that...).
Point being... I think the bard is a great unit. But not an unballanced one.