The difference is that by now, Yasuo/Zed/Gnar were already picking up steam and becoming FotM. Specially Yasuo, the combo wombo started around days after release. Yasuo+Braum/Thresh/Alistar+Wukong wasnt a uncommon sight, in fact it was pretty painful sight.
The problems with Bard is that they deliberatelly made him UP. Plus every single of his spells has counterplay, a downside and/or a condition. Q has a condition for stuning and its short range, W can be stepped on and needs charge (and even then the heal is pretty lowish), E can be used by your oponent with no visible difference until maxed ability. And R can potentially destroy your teamfight. It has its uses, yes, but most ''CC ult'' supports have it better when it comes to CC the enemy team. It can used for objectives, yes, and that is its only thing that sets it aside. Also it was an horrible delay.
Edit: I think I prefer any support with an Ohmwrecker that Bard's ult.