An entire group of 31s I was just with did the Hardmode up to the deathsinger. No 32. We are fine. Just 10 percent less damage than you 32s.
Edit: I get that 31s can't do the entire raid on their owns like a 32, I'm saying why decline one for not being 32. If they can't pull their own weight kick them. Some can some cant.
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On my second clear. Our swordbearer was 31. but he was a beast. Got 3 runs on each sword before ogres