This DnD game makes me wanna install BG again and start a Bard character.
Tho I think Bard is kinda useless. Just stands around and signs, can't really fight well, has limited casting abilities (tho I think in BG that doesn't matter due to low level), and as a thief he only gets the least useful thief ability: picking pockets.
If I remember correctly what BG misses is a solid thief character that can hide, disable traps, and open locks. All the supporting character thieves are gimped in this question in both games. But I think even BG1 doesn't need a character to be dedicated thief, a multi or dual class can do fine with proper skill point distribution.
While bard is kinda like a multi-class thief, it can't replaces it due to the useless pickpocket. Woe.