Effectiveness of mercs vs box classes

[x82nd]

I am working on putting together my team (with several older 85 accounts) and have more options than my brain will process. My debate is if I am boxing 3 or 4 accounts and using mercs for two slots. What mercs will work well at end game vs. using the real classes? I have the option of box/mercing bards, healers, or dps. I know my tank will be a crusader but otherwise I have all the healers and bards to chose from as box or mercs.

Thanks for any advice!

[Lyonheart]

if you do the quest to make your mercs J5 level.. they will work for most content outside of high level raids. And now you can buff them up with the new expansion with AAs and merc gear. ( all merc types are are great.. nothing replaces human control though )

[x82nd]

J5? Is that in EQ2? Sorry for my confusion.

[Lyonheart]

J5? Is that in EQ2? Sorry for my confusion.

ahh no.. its EQ1. Mercs in EQ2 are good but far less effective than EQ1 mercs