Scholar and Cleric Stance

[ExiledOne]

I've been reading a lot about cleric stance and when to and when not to use it.
However, there's something basic that I can't seem to find.

I have been putting all my attribute points into INT with the goal of being a Summoner.

If I choose to play as Scholar:

• do I need the cleric stance?
• Since my INT points are higher anyways, will it really make a difference? (as I understand it, cleric stance will swap the attributes and add 10% boost to dps but give a 20% penalty to healing)
• Is cleric stance meant for true scholars? (placing all points into mind)

[The_Leon]

After gear your mind should still be higher than your int even with the missing 30 points

[Niwashi]

In addition to swapping INT and MND, Cleric Stance also boosts damage while nerfing healing, so it's really only suited to its intended purpose of being a damage dealing stance.

After gear your mind should still be higher than your int even with the missing 30 points

At endgame, you're going to be using Scholar-specific and/or Healer-specific equipment for SCH, so Leon is right at that point.

While leveling, a lot of the gear is generic caster equipment, which boosts both equally, so putting ACN bonus points into INT can lead to some periods where INT is the higher stat, even for a SCH. However, it's unlikely to ever be enough higher to make up for the inherent damage-boosting, healing-nerfing effects of Cleric Stance (as that extra 10% damage would take a fairly major point spread to make up for). A Scholar with a high INT and comparatively low MND won't get as much benefit from Cleric Stance as one with the opposite stats, but it's still somewhat useful (as well as being a good habit to learn for later once you have SCH or Healer gear).