Quote Originally Posted by Kitkat View Post
White mage: Experts in whit magic that specialize in healing and recovery spells. Weak in close combat, and prohibited from using blade weapons.
Hey! White Mages are far from inept in close combat. Actually, if anything, White Mages are weak in every combat that isn't close.

Quote Originally Posted by Mageoholic View Post
but at least make healing magic actually apply to healing spells. It is stupid that my 61WHM can heal for 200-300 more HP then my 90RDM.
I don't think you could find a White Mage (okay, any real White Mages that aren't Abyssean burn victims who play the job only to get gear) who would disagree with you that healing magic skill should have a larger impact on cure strength, but the last time it was discussed in the White Mage forums, some people whined about it making White Mage more powerful, despite the fact that it would do the same for anyone else who cures.

A lack of native MP regeneration is White Mage's primary weakness at low levels. When this is eliminated, effectiveness skyrockets. This was the reason why Red Mage could outheal a White Mage at the 75 cap when set as the only healer.

Without Refresh, it is no contest, you will outheal the 61 White Mage. With Refresh, you either have someone Refreshing the White Mage, meaning that a bunch of the healing is partially coming from the Refresh source, or you are in Abyssea. If you are a Red Mage in a party refreshing the 61 White Mage, and you are upset they are out healing you, stop. They won't be out healing you very much longer.

If you are in Abyssea, there isn't much you can do. You are trying to compete with someone who has had their primary weakness (for that level) mitigated. Plus they can now hit 44% cure potency with Atma too, and stack on Afflatus Solace for a 25% boost on top.

Of course, nobody invites a 61 White Mage over a 95 Red Mage to cure except in some experience parties in Abyssea. And even then, it has to do more with the fact that the 61 White Mage will probably stick around longer. Basically, this is a bad hypothetical about competing with someone who has had their weakness nearly eliminated, in a rare situation few people actually deal with.