The Meta definition is by its mean it is effective and easily to play by average player.
You can always slightly alter the build from its main meta, for example Sorcerer 1 > it is good filler class, but it end up a lot of micro management or unique purpose which is not for everybody.
Rank 2 - Pyromancer
PvP: Pyro 3 > Chrono 3 > Sage
*Handsdown
PvE: Pyro 3 > Linker 2 > Warlock 1 > Enchanter
*The fact that linker multiplied Pyro’s damage dramatically, the more you linked the bigger the overall damage.
Rank 2 - Cryomancer
Cryo 3 > Chrono 3 > Sage
*Handsdown the best support mage
Rank 3 - Linker
*It is supportive meta class its own, can be meta with most classes.
Rank 3 - Psychokino
Cryo 3 > Psychokino 3 > Runecaster
Rank 4 - Elementalist
Wizard 3 > Elementalist 3 > Warlock 2
- I think it still relevant in rank 8, but it rely frost cloud high % attribute and some link scroll to make sure you spawn more evil spirits.
Rank 4 - Thaumaturge
Wizard 3 > Thaum 3 > Warlock 2
- Warlock have high hit count, high base damage, dark % with Invocation, scale best with Thaumaturge triple Swell, theoretically highest DPS. However it rely on linker heavily to achieve that.
Wizard 1 > Pyro 1 > Linker 2> Thaum 3 > Enchanter 1
*Else, be the best friend of Elememe to boost them maximum.
Rank 5 - Chronomancer
Cryo 3 > Chrono 3 > Sage
*Handsdown the best support mage
Rank 5 - Sorcerer
I’m not sure this, quite difficult to choose but at least futureproof pre-build will do it a favor in future.
Wizard 3 > Linker 2 > Sorcerer 3/2 (Sage/Enchanter)
Rank 6 - Alchemist
Wizard 3 > Linker 2 > Alchemist 3
*The most reliable skill for Homunculus to cast, JP/HK/MM
Rank 6 - Necromancer
Wizard 3 > Linker 2 > Necromancer 3
*The most reliable build to maximize pets attack / compensate bad AI / small AoE
Rank 7 - Warlock
Wizard 3 > Linker 3/2* > Warlock 2
*The most reliable build to maximum utilize evil spirits high attack and compensate its pity range. You can replace Sorc1/Necro1 to Link3 for additional skills and auto-attack
Rank 7 - Featherfoot
Wizard 3 > Linker 2 > Thaumaturge 1 > Featherfoot 2
*The most reliable build to compensate FF melee range and all skills. Thauma for tranpose to increase Blood Curse damage