AST/WHM Questions

[Sebazy]

AST and WHM are both in kind of an odd position relative to each other.

It's pretty much as you state, Lightspeed + Helios is very significant HPS for a very reasonable cost, things have changed a little for SB though, with Earthly Star being the go too for AST aoe healing burst, whereas Lightspeed is unbeatable for providing sustained efficient aoe output in situations where you potentially need to be mobile (O3S final phase and O4S GC Omega are good examples of this). Is it better than what a WHM can do? Yes and no, Medica II still has it's unique range, and Cure III not being gated behind a cooldown or timer is still a very significant deal. In terms of efficiency.

Soso, remember that it won't make Ascend an instant cast, it will however slash the mp cost. I wouldn't use Lightspeed with Ascend back in A12S, but I would use it now in casual content if I didn't have swiftcast on hand.

Thin Air is every bit as big a game changer for WHM and I would argue that it's a more versatile ability all told.

[Lynesse]

You guys are awesome! These are really helpful responses!

I realize now that I have to use my WHM kit better. This is exciting. My playstyle has to change when doing A/S ranks, and I should save Presence of Mind for emergencies rather than use it for damage.

I understand that Thin Air + Swiftcast/Presence of Mind + Raise is probably a lot stronger than Lightspeed + Ascend.

Presence of Mind probably makes Medica II/Medica every bit as strong as Lightspeed when combined with Assize, Plenary Indulgence, and Asylum.

I also understand now that the way I use these cooldowns should change depending on the kind of content I'm running.

AST abilities are more clearly defined, so my initial impression was that they were stronger because knowing how to use them comes more naturally.

[Zyaph]

AST abilities are more clearly defined, so my initial impression was that they were stronger because knowing how to use them comes more naturally.

I completely agree with that statement.
I actually started the game as a WHM main before HW came out, and honestly it felt like the spells didn't "flow" very well. I found it felt pretty slow and awkward.
As a healer main (in most games) who doesn't really like to micro-manage pets, it was probably one of the bigger reasons why I took a break for almost a year.
Switching to AST completely changed my perspective on the game and healing in general once I came back.

Here's hoping the next healer will be just as fun (: