Please fix protect

[Limonia]

They should just make Protect a WHM only ability that works similar to the PVP version. Increase defense or reduce damage taken for a few seconds for all party members on a 60 seconds cooldown or so. Like an AoE Divine Benison.

And as WHM already has less buttons than AST and SCH (as WHM I have space for all cross role skills while as SCH and AST I need macros to switch the hotbar slot between some of them), they could actually also make Protect AND Shell as separate abilities, one for physical and one for magical damage. I don't think that it would be so overpowered if the buff wasn't that strong. AST and SCH both have access to regens AND shields, so why should WHM not also have an AoE shield-like ability?

[KaivaC]

I don't think that it would be so overpowered if the buff wasn't that strong. AST and SCH both have access to regens AND shields, so why should WHM not also have an AoE shield-like ability?

Because whereas you are suggesting that WHMs can carry Protect and Shell as separate abilities in their kit, AST at the very least do not have the option of switching between regen and shield while in combat. Outside of the 4-man dungeons, ASTS are screwed because we are already limited to a single sect in combat. It wouldn't balance out very well at all.

[Limonia]

Collective Unconscious has a very strong regen AND also a shield effect and you can even make it last longer. And it doesn't cost any MP, like Whispering Dawn. It's a bit more annoying to use, but in content where it matters there are usually many times where people are stacked. So I don't think it couldn't be somehow balanced to give WHM small physical and magical AoE shields. They don't even have to be as strong as Protect is now. They could also make the cooldown long. It would still be better than the current Protect.