WHM: Determination vs Spell Speed

[v_jones]

It's possible to do a rough comparison of healing output based on spamming Cure and Cure II for one minute.*

+100 Spell Speed
GCD = 2.4
Cure = 885.67 per heal or 22,141.75 total healing
Cure II = 1439.22 per heal or 35,980.5 total healing

+100 Determination
GCD = 2.5
Cure = 922.87 per heal or 22,148.88 total healing
Cure II = 1499.66 per heal or 35,991.84 total healing

I suppose it's not too surprising that the healing output of each skill will scale about the same, given how every other stat seems to function, and 1 point of SS or DTR will increase healing output by ~.04% ((21256.08/22141.75)/100=.00041667). Due to the similar scaling in healing output over time, I think it is clear that it can be concluded that Determination is the better stat when having to decide between the two. Unless you happen to be in a situation where spamming your heal is necessary, then Determination will provide an overall benefit, since the higher rate of casting is the only thing that allows Spell Speed to compete. Additionally, Spell Speed will cost you more MP when spamming for the same output as Determination.

Of course, it could be argued that the difference between the two is marginal at best, and you really should just go for items that look prettier while spamming Holy. Or maybe that's just me.

_________________________________________________
*N.B. This is assuming Valk's calculator is correct, ~5 DTR = 1 MND, and ~100 SS = -.1 cast time.

[Jahaudant]

It's possible to do a rough comparison of healing output based on spamming Cure and Cure II for one minute.*

+100 Spell Speed
+100 Determination

On same level gear spell speed comes in much high quantities per piece than determination so you can't really compare them at 1:1. Suggest doing the same comparison with the stats of a full i90 set built for spell speed, and a full i90 set built for det.