Hunters rock because their ranged dmg is not based entirely on the use of mana like a mage or priest, And Hunters have 2 very important stings that are sweet when used correctly. one poisons the target and the other saps mana from the target used together you can wipe out the enemies mage or priest before they can get in range to attack you with their spells and weapons.
Germonick I think I read the same, onry one of them at a time ^^; And as far as Ranger damage go, not sure, but I am pretty sure its not any FFXI Ranger, and maybe it dont cost so much as well though..