Sustain on SMN

[Cynfael]

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.

This lines up with what I've already said. No, you aren't expected to move your summon for every yellow circle, but you don't need to for aforementioned reasons.

Garuda vs. Ifrit is both another discussion entirely and dependent on the situation. Survivability is not the major factor in that decision, either; the only case in which Ifrit is a real challenge in that sense is when the SMN positions him poorly or forgets to adjust him if the tank changes position.

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.

I wouldn't take people here too literally. If something unforeseen happens, I'm sure that most players who notice a problem will pitch in; after all, if they think about it, they'd rather have the SMN remain focused on DPS rather than stopping to resummon it (if the SMN is playing well, Swiftcast should more or less constantly be on CD). What I believe usually happens is that the SMN loses their pet because they handled it poorly and then wonders why the healer wasn't helping. An average healer probably has minimal or no awareness of a SMN's pet because they rarely ever die in the first place.

Anyway, to tie all of this together, I believe that it is the primary responsibility of the SMN to manage their pet correctly. A good healer will help if something unexpected happens, but there's a reasonable limit to how much help should be expected from that quarter.