Two questions:

One - Is anyone planning to main a BD? If so I'd be interest to hear the viability of the class from everyone's opinions.

Two - Can anyone from <Ocean Babes> send me a PM? Need to talk to Machoman. Lost the discord information...

The two biggest things that made BDs effective on classic were improved pet options, and PHYSICAL DEFENSE which allowed them to push in and play like a minstrel on steroids.

Short answer, since you don't have those here BDs will suck in 8vs8.

Longer Answer:

In a tank meta (like OF promotes) playing up front puts the BD in danger of getting trained.

In NF you had

PD
RR5
BOF
Dashing Defense
Focus Shell

All to keep a BD alive and it's pets going. Try to do the same thing on Uth without any of those things and as soon as you're caught by 1-2 tanks you're going to die and your pets along with you.

If you happen to get rezzed, you're even less effective than any other rezzed caster as in addition to putting up shields, you also have to resummon your pets to have an effect on the fight again.

Does anyone know if they fixed the sprint bug for the pets?

BD has had about 8 years since this patch level to become viable in 8v8, and its still questionable on live as far as benefit of a BD. Even with charge pets, TWF, physical defense and juggernaut, they dont bring much to table as compared to SM or RM