I find that the real issue is that people believe the most important indication of a classes validity in PVP is damage or healing done. These are the same people who skirmish in the hutt ball pits or zerg the center turret while the wings are undefended.
My personal feeling is that Arena and other small scale PVP setups that people have grown accustomed to encouraged and even demanded this perception. Currently, SWTOR doesn't have a similar, individually focused match as of right now. Therefore, I believe the original point of being underwhelming damage wise is sort of moot.
Now if however they start an Arena, I would hole heartily agree that damage needs to be closely examined and balanced to provide a level playing field.
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