The important factors to consider while brainstorming for ways to buff SMN are these:

1) The buffs can not increase SCH in any way. That class is already very strong.
2) The buffs should affect SMN single target dps mostly. Stay away from buffing Bane or their AoE potential. We already have a class that specializes in AoE
3) The ideal place for SMN single target DPS is about 2-3% ahead of BLM. This would give them the boost they need to be considered in FCoB

Using this list is how I came up with the idea I mentioned earlier in this thread:

Give fester a 50% chance to make the next energy drain cost no aetherflow.
This change would marginally buff SMN single target damage while also helping to resolve some of their MP management issues. Simple and effective