How does SE plan to restore White Mage's identity as a healer?

[Amal_Wright]

Cleric Stance is a Conjurer skill right? How about a WHM trait that reduces MP cost of offensive spells? Or a WHM ability usable in Cleric that reduces MP cost of offensive spells?

I like this line of thinking. Everyone can use cleric stance, but why not make WHM the one that truly integrates it? For example:

Fluid Aura
150 potency, 5y range
Additional Effect with Cleric-Off: 15y knockback and bind
Additional Effect with Cleric-On: range extended to 20y, no knockback

Maybe make the heavy effect of stone I something different with cleric on? Still thinking.

[Cynfael]

snip.

I actually like this kind of thinking as well. I'm sure that the "Healers are Non-Combatants" contingent would throw an absolute fit if Cleric Stance management became even more integral to playing any healing job, but A) I care less about their feelings by the day and B) there is opportunity there beyond direct damage.

Why not offer special debuffs or (non-crappy) crowd control skills that can only be used while under the effect of Cleric Stance? E.g. Breakga for petrification, anyone? As long as they include at least a few skills that might actually be of use in boss encounters and make sure that WHM has access to some intriguing options, this could be a way to enhance the support role in addition to the obligatory DPS spell upgrades we are sure to get regardless.