Guild Wars 2

I have only been playing this game for a tad over a month. I am enjoying it, however im confused on the Proffession/Class fantasy!

Ex1 Necromancers- After much googling all i can find is Dagger seems to provide highest DPS output. IMHO a Necromancer is a caster type and should be better at Dps as a caster not a semi melee.

EX2 Mesmers- Another Caster type Proffession, yet after much googling, has a higher dps output with a Greatsword.

Ex3-Rangers- Apperently using a long bow is bad, but a sword and an off hand is better? Or a shortbow, and atleast a shortbow is more Ranger/hunteresque

Also it seems that almost every class /proffession has the same gear.. Berserkers?

Guess i am wondering was there ever a time when each proffession actually represented thier specific fantasy, or has it always been this way?

Yes i am new here…. All i have to say for myself is if im playing a caster, i want to be able to dps well with Caster tools (sceptor, off hands, staffs)! As for my melee chars, well then yeah swords and axes, and daggers!