Originally Posted by
A_Hortensia
My logic for WHM is utility; heavy, bind, pushback, aoe stun, and >SLEEP!<
Their ability to heavy a target for the DPS, CCing aggressors, and sleeping opposing healer in the most critical moments.
The only weakness they suffer is a lack of movement capability while healing; and perhaps some MP conservation issues that they suffer in a PvE setting.
A VIT heavy WHM is better equipped to deal with the movement issue as they are able to pseudo tank in within a Sacred Prism.
MP conservation isn't as glaring with piety heavy gear, and ever less a concern when paired with a MCH or BRD.
Repose synergy with PLD shield bash can technically remove an opponent from relevancy for an entire 18 seconds.
Benediction shines always; an instant response to a melee LB, the go to ability to reset after an attunement save, or the problem solver for a tank out of holmgang or living dead.
So after all that, why do I think AST is also top tier?
To keep the point simple, the major contributing factor is mobility.
Instant cast cures, shields, and buffs make for an extremely evasive and slippery healer.
They can be where they are needed and respond faster to burst; which as everyone should know is the main method of kill scores.
Retrogradation is a better "WHM Assize"; both as an AoE Esuna and Dispel; also instant.
Bole and Balance take a 10% hit in PVP areas but still offer a resource that no other job can offer.
The main argument I really want to push for AST is pure mobility through a larger resource of instant cast abilities.