Possible AST nerf

[Iveriad]

If SCH and WHM are falling behind, they are the problem, they are the ones needing a buff. AST is not the one that needs to be changed. I never once before used the shields of AST because they just simply sucked. I see no point in Nocturnal if the shields are just going to suck again.

I think the problem to that is :
If they make SCH and WHM better at their specific department compared to AST, then AST will be an underwhelming Jack of All Trades class like how it was back in 3.0.
If they enable AST to be at the same level as SCH and WHM, then AST will be a much better choice than WHM or AST who can only do half of AST's Job.

[Reilyn]

I think the problem to that is :
If they make SCH and WHM better at their specific department compared to AST, then AST will be an underwhelming Jack of All Trades class like how it was back in 3.0.

I talked about this before;

Even if ASTs healing potencies were to go down to 3.0 levels while leaving the rest of their utilities they way they are now, they would still likely put WHM on the bench.

The main problem was that AST's utility and buffs were so inconsistent in 3.0 that a SCHs Fey Wind from Selene was better. Healing for less was just salt in the wound.

In 3.0:

Shuffle(later renamed redraw) used to have at least a 60 second recast, and possibly gave the user the same card a second time.
Spread used to have at least a 90 second recast.
Balance used to be 10% with a shorter duration.
Lightspeed used to cut healing potency.

Now be honest; if AST's potencies were lower across the board, down to 3.0-levels, but had the card system they have now, would you take the WHM with stronger, but typically unneeded healing, or the AST that can reliably boost the raid's outgoing damage?

My point is, it's the cards that really put AST where it is. Nerfing healing potencies won't do much to help WHM, or hurt AST's place in the hierarchy (though granted, there's no reason for AST to run around with a better version of SCHs adloquium, and succor in almost every way while they're in nocturnal sect. That is just stupid)

[Iveriad]

Now be honest; if AST's potencies were lower across the board, down to 3.0-levels, but had the card system they have now, would you take the WHM with stronger, but typically unneeded healing, or the AST that can reliably boost the raid's outgoing damage?

You can't really say AST could boost the raid "reliably", they drew random cards. Redraw gives them a better chance at drawing the card they needed, and Spread helps keeping the card you might not need right now, but might need later, but the cards are still random in the end.

Nerfing healing potency will only make WHM into a must have for the newest EX/Savage content since WHM will be the only one who can do "Unneeded healing", just like when Urth's Fount was introduced and people refused to go there without a WHM since SCH can't AoE heal as well as a WHM.