Regarding the AST in pf vs static.
This is true, I never go AST in a pf, it's just a pain to put a star and always have 1 dps 1 step away.

However about the comment that it's less good in less skilled static, I wouldn't agree. The only thing you need is cooperation from you mates.

My Static raids very little. Only 2h a week. We've just killed mygdra tonight. And while they all do some mistake and do die on silly stuff (or still get dmg taken debuff.....) I cannot say they do not cooperate.

As soon as I figure out with my coheal where and when I should put the star, the dps and off tank will always be in it at the right time. Same goes for the CI hot. I never have to remind them.

So I don't think it requires any specific skill beside cooperation to make the AST shine even in a very casual setting.