Possible AST nerf

[NocturniaUzuki]

Hey SQEX, you might want to add an edit function for the mobile version of the forums, since, y'know, we can't actually write anything more than a couple characters without editing posts. Or you could just fix that.
__________________________

Now then...

I'd rather see WHM and especially SCH buffed to match AST (by becoming better than AST at their respectively specialties). Alternatively, a combination of buffs for SCH and WHM and a minor AST nerf would be fine. I'd really rather a nerf to AST be to its cards (like reducing the effects of Balance) than to its shield potential. AST is, in some cases, the only class capable of managing intense situations in challenge runs (in my opinion, based on experience, at least). And that ability mainly relies on its shields, especially Aspected Benefic. Shields are virtually never actually needed in standard content unless your party SERIOUSLY messes up. Where it is genuinely necessary is in specialized runs like synced undersized runs (to survive shared damage that would otherwise be impossible to survive, to survive multi-hit tank busters that are meant to be shared, etc) or perhaps a few minIL situations. To nerf Aspected Benefic could cause those fights to become literally impossible at worst, or ridiculously hard at best.

AST has the best ability to fix major mistakes and recover from seemingly impossible situations, if played to its fullest. I think SCH and WHM should equal that capability in the right hands. Right now, their kits are a bit limited in that regard, especially in mana management. SCH has it the worst with its reliance on Aetherflow to do anything useful whatsoever. Even in standard content, SCH is generally best used in an off-healer slot because it can't be overusing its Aether stacks. Throw it into an intense solo healing situation where it has to use its Aether-reliant skills almost constantly just to keep the party alive through the minimum damage output of the boss and it becomes impossible. Hence, I shudder to try any challenge runs that are too healing intensive with SCH.