Sustain on SMN

[Saggo]

On the contrary, placing Ifrit correctly is extremely important. This is how you avoid having him eat cleaves, which are one of the only mechanics that can actually threaten him.

Cleaves are an exception, not the rule. Plenty of non-cleave AoE mechanics such that it's not worth the DPS loss to micro-manage Ifrit's position. And it should go without saying but I'll say it, when solely regarding damage taken, there are times Garuda is better DPS.

The only circumstance under which I find it necessary to throw a targeted heal of some kind to a pet is when the SMN is very inexperienced or perhaps lazy.

AoE heals trivalize the necessity of single-target heals, since pets are pretty durable. But not having to actively worry about it isn't the same as actively refusing to do it. Refusing, in general, is poor sportsmanship.