According to FFLogs, AST pDPS >= WHM pDPS in 4.3

[jameseoakes]

Also something thats interesting to look at is the overall active player classes played in 2018 where all classes are almost played exactly the same amount (not in raids just in general) except SCH. Which leads me to believe why SE is trying to keep them on top to avoid seing the class go even lower in activity. Although thats not justified to keep it in meta constantly.

They did nerf SCH at the start of Stormblood, but they had to quickly buff it as it was hated.