I guess in the short term, the bard casts at a higher caster level, owing to a faster XP table. And the Blade kit's offensive and defensive spin abilities are nice. They get a horrible song ability, and they're really good at identifying items for free and pickpocketing, though it can't be used to shoplift.
But the M/T gets full thief skills, can backstab, can eventually cast level 9 spells, can wear robes, and gets mage and thief HLAs (high-level abilities).
Though to be fair, the bard could eventually wear robes with Use Any Item. And he gets free 100 skill in Set Snare upon selecting a trap HLA.
But the M/T gets full thief skills, can backstab, can eventually cast level 9 spells, can wear robes, and gets mage and thief HLAs (high-level abilities).
Though to be fair, the bard could eventually wear robes with Use Any Item. And he gets free 100 skill in Set Snare upon selecting a trap HLA.