How are Bards?

[Crone]

So in reading these forums, I know there are quite a few bard enthuisiasts out there. I first played a bard in PoP, so I'm curious how they fare in Classic - Velious?

Example, for Warriors lets say, is they are a little under par right now, but in Kunark, due to discs, really amp up.

Are there similar things for the bard? I know Fading Memories were their glory days as pullers. What are their strong points now? Do they get significantly better later on with expansions?

Thanks for any info.