Torn between these classes

[bufferofnewbies]

On many a game before, I have a notorious habit of making too many alts.
The rough spot I have is finding my comfort in a single main toon. So this time I ask for the help of everyone.

Things I want to be able to do:
1. Solo at times. (and be able to go afk between fights) -- pretty much all classes can do this, depending on where/what you hunt: but some are better than others.
2. Be wanted in a group.
3. Be useful on a raid.
4. Farm either tradeskill materials or $$ to buy them. (I like to do tradeskills when folks I know arent online or I need to go afk alot and cant hunt)
-- all pretty generic

Classes I'm currently torn between:
Green is good stuff I consider
Red is bad stuff I consider
1. Mage (my old standby) -- easy to solo, good dps for groups, hate resummoning pet everytime i zone somewhere, raids.. eh: anyone want a mod rod?, very weak when no pet is up
2. Druid -- easy to solo, nice buffs for groups and raids, healing is kinda ehh...
3. Bard -- easy to solo, bards do a crapload for raids/groups, pita twisting... both on your hands + i like to chat alot, cannot bind self.
4. Ranger -- soloing is decent, good dps, gods! it costs so damned much to raise fletching, cannot bind self, so item dependant: costs alot in comparison to others for a starting toon [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

What is everyone's take on this? Something I miss or is different here? Perhaps some are just TOO prevalent later on? Or so prevalent because they are pretty much required to help gear alts..

Remember this is a 'first toon over 20' thing. I have all of these classes, but my final choice on 'initial' toon is still up in the air. Highest atm is mage at 14ish..