Rogues are not just "fighters who scale differently", they serve a totally different function in combat, as I explained above. A fighter could not do what a rogue does, and vice versa.
Characters are not their DPS. You can have two classes that are both useful in combat while one does 2d6 every round and the other never does any direct damage. Maybe you make one class that does good damage when it hits, but has horrible accuracy problems, and another class that specializes in immobilizing enemies and making them easier to hit. The two classes are useless without the other, but are still doing their own unique thing.
I hate to give any compliments to the dogshit that is MOBAs, but they typically do a good job of making each role feel like it contributes something useful to the team. Though it's easier to do because every "encounter" (enemy team) has the exact same makeup.
I'm curious, though, about what you mean by "emergency solutions". Care to elaborate?
And yes, that party makeup is nice and well balanced, and I'd love to see classic rogues, fighters, and divine casters paired with some role for arcane casters that pairs just as well.
It is, but saying that's what you should do is not the solution, it's the problem statement. It's like I'm asking "how do I get past this dragon" and your solution is "move so that you're on the other side of it".
That's exactly what I'm saying. Vancian magic works horribly, and I'm looking for an alternative that doesn't require bookkeeping about who slept for how long.
The problem isn't power level balance, it's that the supposed leash on casters doesn't actually work in most campaigns.
This.
What magic systems do you enjoy, then? I'm speaking generally, though I admit a lack of familiarity with many other systems. My experience with vancian has been shitty, and I'd love to hear your thoughts on other systems you've tried.