Bard and other characters opinions inside from a beta and returning player

So Bard was the absolute most pitiful champion you guys have ever released since I've played this game, way back in July '09. Seriously, he has utility, but he is NOTHING to be afraid of. His recent buffs are fine, but he's just a joke. I ban him to keep my teammates from sandbagging me if they choose to struggle with him. He's that awful. Really. No redeeming features at all at this juncture. He is not scary or even support scary.

I love the Elise change to her E, awesome to be able to click and descend.

There needs to be more spell vamp items in this game. Frankly, there needs to be a melee focused, attack speed centric item with spellvamp that has no on-use effect. Something like 40% AS, 80AP, 20% vamp, and magic shred on hit (could be an upgraded Wit's End). This would help so many niche characters and open up possibilities of champions in less traditional roles.

and, lastly, can we get Rioters to support players that choose to play against the meta? I mean like posts supporting the idea of picking, say a bruiser instead of an ADC for bottom duo. If Riot would showcase how good this actually is, and it is phenomenal, maybe we'd see a more varied meta.

K, love you, mean it!
Signed, User number 2808