And they said that it is optional to use. . Also appears there are a lot more options than slots, which I didnt expect lol.

Just to add to your post for others, Cleric Stance now temporarily boosts your damage spells and no longer swaps your stats as your damage spells are based on mind.

This does mean though that healer's baseline damage is increased (without stance dancing) making it easier to deal damage.. and less of a reason not to be.