To me, it's the role that, skillfully and adeptly played, allows people to learn. Barring one-shot kills, I've seen brilliant healers keep a messy group alive so they can learn the fight better. Of course this can only go so far, but all the same, when everyone is making little mistakes or getting by something avoidable, I've seen the healer shine and pull off the win, keeping himself/herself alive, the tank alive and getting everyone back on their feet or kept alive.

And that's why I'm healing and what I am looking to be able to do.