Just because skills are being pruned, doesn't mean that they were riveting, useful, or compelling for gameplay.

Taking PLD for example: We are losing > Bulwark, Shield Bash, Shield Swipe, Savage Blade, Tempered Will.

Some people will be like, "OH MAN MY SHIELD SWIPES BRO! SO MUCH DEPTH!" But honestly, what we're getting is a PLD that has never been better.

I would surmise they want healers to find complexity in using heals in a strategic manner.