Ever since AST was announced, I've been saying that I wanted it to be a healing zone-type job. Think Healing Wind and the like from the Tales series. Without a target you'd place it like you would a Shadow Flare, or with a target it'd end up right under that target. Various durations and widths depending on the ability and cooldowns used. Typically a short, powerful burst HoT effect before the circle vanishes. They could also have LoS healing tethers with a nicely animated beam for burst healing moments.

Yes, potentially awkward but also much more engaging. If you got the positioning right they'd be very powerful heals, and for group heals you could either have separate abilities or an "expand" cooldown that makes all existing circles larger or makes your next cast 25y in diameter.

I dunno, just tossing it out there. But right now AST is just this weird thing inbetween the established healers. Maybe this is something they could use for the next healing class. I'd certainly like to try to master it.