OP, I think you are expecting a very specific thing from bard and are upset that D&D bard doesn't fulfill that expectation, rather than looking at the class actually offers. For example Bard is pretty good at passing skill checks with a lot of skill proficiencies and
jack of all trades feature.
If your only goal is to build a fronline, melee swashbuckler, that yes, maybe bard isn't the best class for you. That is fine. Variety is the spice of life.
