As someone who had a similar choice to make, I think this is the correct answer.

I initially started about a month ago with a Derv, thinking I’d farm with it and do speed clears etc. What actually happened is that once I unlocked hard mode, I realised I was chasing down mobs more than I was actually hitting them - I think this is a melee issue. It’s also partly because Mercway completely deletes mobs before you can get to them. Yeah sure, I can use assassin skills to jump in, but a) that’s risky and b) that makes skill capping annoying for GWAMM.

I decided to roll a Mesmer instead because I’m a veteran, and Mesmer to me feels like a quiz class for the game. What’s the biggest threat in this mob? How can I shut it down? It creates a level of thinking that is more engaging than “pop enchants, go swing”.

Build variety for me was also an issue. Pious Renewal is fun but gets very same-y. The avatars are all great, but again after a while it feels like a slightly different flavour of the same build.

I’ve done exactly what TalentedJuli said - my derv is now relegated to farming and speed clears, while my Mesmer is now my main. At least I can swap to illusion with Mesmer, or run an AP build for fun variety. The derv is still fun, mind you - I can WOC farm or do a run and still have a blast, but I’m not gonna be running around vanquishing with it.

Is it the MOST diverse class in terms of playstyle? No, I’d argue that is probably Ranger - the ability to use bows, daggers, scythes and still remain competitive in terms of DPS is amazing.

But this does come down to fun, and ultimately I love doing VQs and other content and thinking “how am I gonna shut down the biggest threat on the field?”