I would say BRD is hands-down the most wanted class in a party. That's not to say you'll always get invites though; I remember one time there were actually multiple BRDs seeking, I gave up looking for a group after 2 hours.
No job is truly "cheap" if you want to do it right. I'm not saying you need to have every single best piece of gear, but it needs to be well-thought out and effective. Having subpar gear is a big no-no in FFXI.
Also consider the cost of foods. Melees probably spend the most, as the majority eat expensive sushi.
As for Ballista, there is no true "best" job.
Jobs like DRK, THF, WAR, SAM, and occasionally SMN are nice for their ability to surprise an enemy and decimate them quickly with a Weapon Skill.
Tanks like PLD, NIN, and WHM/RDM can often be near-invincible.
BRD's horde lullaby is excellent when faced by an attacking team, and their AoE buffs are highly useful.
DRG and BST are superb in solo combat, as the dual threat of the Player and his pet split the opponent's attentions.
RDM is great for debuffing opponents, and is an excellent solo fighter. With proper gear and subjob choice, Red Mages are very hard to kill.
MNK, with their massive HP and devasting damage-dealing capability are often referred to as the "HNMs of Ballista." Many teams try to kill or disable MNKs on sight, knowing the mayhem they can cause.
BLM, though they lack defensive abilities, can be highly dangerous, as their AoE Magic can severely cripple multiple enemies. Coupled with a protective group of melees, BLMs can wreak immense havoc on opponents.
RNG's high powered Weapon Skills and Job Abilities make it an extremely feared enemy on the battlefield. Their ability to take out opponents from afar is unmatched.
Of course, to be truly good in Ballista requires skill and experience. It may be awhile before you can decide which class is best for you. Try playing a few matches; you may discover that you like a different job more than your current one.