I love the game but still I have to agree that there's something wrong with the combat system, I think it has a lot to do with everyone taking different time on same actions, depending on their "recovery time" and in general it just feels that combat is slightly too fast. I find the slow speed makes it feel a lot better but it doesn't quite fix it.
I have to disagree with that. I made my main a Ranger and he's doing the most damage in the group easily and the bear companion has turned out to be really useful. Then again I don't have a rogue with me. Also I have Kana the chanter with my group, I gave him a great sword and a plate mail and he's doing great. Sure, his spells don't really get used that much, but then again most of the short combats don't require any spell using so there's that. His buffs are quite nice for a non tanking damage dealer. Sure it might not be optimal way to play, but to me it's a RPG, not a power gaming simulator..