AST needs more emphasis on what they bring to the table that other healers don't; that is their buffs.

AST's healing and shield potency is lower than WHM/SCH for good reasons, but no other healer can bring buffs quite like AST through their card system. However, their current buff potency isn't high enough to consider the buffs are turning tide for the AST. They are only a nice additional tool to bring small buffs, but in my opinion the potency isn't quite there to call them really great.

For example, having a 20% damage reduction on bole would mean a 10% damage reduction AoE which is pretty good. However a 10% damage reduction on bole makes a 5% damage reduction AoE which is quite minor. I honestly don't mind if the duration of the buff is lowered (time dilation and celestial opposition can help with this) but I feel like the AST needs to excel more in buffs in order to set them apart right now.