Welcome home!
I play a hunter, minstrel, loremaster, guardian, and burglar. I play them all regularly, and I like each one for a different reason. If I could have one more slot, then I would play a champion as well.
Personally, I think folks should play whatever class they like. Every class can dramatically contribute to any group. Every class is different. Play what you think is fun!!!
Every group seems to want a minstrel, a guard, and now a loremaster for the Rift. Frankly, most of the stuff that my toons have done has been without a guard, minstrel, or loremaster. I like having captains and champions in my groups, but that's me.
If you want to be a difference-maker on a team, then learn your class and play it well. Learn how to survive on your own without dependence on a minstrel. Work on your traits! Traits. Traits. Traits. You will need to figure out the traits.
Once people discover that you play your class well, groups will come looking for you regardless of your class. If you really want to be in-demand, then start your own groups. Don't worry about filling every slot with every class. Get a few peeps together and go quest and kill stuff. The smaller groups will make you a better fellowship member in the end.
Don't sweat it. Make some mistakes. Laugh at yourself. Have fun. In the end, it's just a repair bill and it's all okay.