Yoshi-P's Interview with Famitsu includes a few comments about AST

[Rewind]

What exactly is healer skill though?

Healer skills is more about management and the management of others. Healers in FFXIV are the only job that plays two roles in both healing and being expected to DPS. Sure, tanks are also expected to DPS but there is little to no 'stance dancing' for tanks, and its generally just a change in rotation once enmity is generated.

There is a big risk to go into cleric stance especially if a mistakes are made. A skilled healer can respond and maintain output.

Any healer can just spam 1/2 and be fine. You won't push content and you probably aren't raiding in a group requires you to do that.
The problem with AST is, in its current state, it doesn't have much option than spamming 1/2. And that's why it is weaker.

AST a change to suit players who don't particularly like the aspect of healer DPS (I don't like healer DPS at all - will only do it if I have to) but for those who still want to support and bring utility to a group.