White Mage vs Scholar - Why is White Mage lacking?

[Cynfael]

There's nothing wrong with the White Mage class or it's skill set. But there's something terribly wrong with the mental image the playerbase has of White Mage and the current mainstream play style meta

Very much this.

*DS; Medica II spam, Cure II spam, Regen on everyone*
"Whee, healing is so eas--- wait, where's my MP? Why are all the mobs beating on me? WTB Aetherflow, Lustrate, and a gd Tinkerbell up in here!!"

Not saying that this is the OP's experience, but it's the attitude and behavior I observe in game.