So I know this will be an unpopular opinion, however I am not really mad about not getting a healer (I cant lie I was originally).

However in my opinion, if we want a fourth healer something needs done about the current healers identity not their balance. Currently we have a cornerstone built with the current healers that makes it almost impossible for SE to expand upon. So my question is why don't they do exactly what they are going to do with Tanks? Draw a line in the sand and say these classes are "Off Healers" and these ones are "Main Healers"?

One way I see to do it throughout the 5.0 expansion would be to make some core class changes.

SCH: In my opinion they need to embrace the oGCD healing.
1. Get rid of Succor, Adlo, Sacred Soil, someone else can have shields.
2. Give the SCH heals based around our Atherflow stacks. (Well balance the ones they have)
3. Consolidate Eos / Selene and trim the abilities they get.
4. Give a more engaging DPS rotation.

AST: This healer is in a good spot but if we want to build identity let AST have the shields.
1. Remove the Regen stance.
2. Default the passive buff from Shield stance into all abilities.
3. Rework the card buffs. (Only because TP is going away)

WHM: The WHM has alot of problems I'll admit. However the Regen and power healer route is still its identity.
1. Rework the lily system..... entirely, it doesn't currently make sense and is less then ideal to try and optimize.
2. Regens for days. If they do cast a heal it should more than likely have a regen.

Now I know I didn't mention DPS for AST and WHM, and I am not suggesting removing it. Just that the reworks and the class identities should come from the healing style.
**Also please don't get to hung up on the labels "Main" and "Off" in dungeons they should all still be viable. I mean that's the point of all this right?......Right?

Now for our fourth healer concept.

XXX (I didn't come up with a name sue me): This healer could be the Melee counterpart to SCH, and focus on some semblance of smart heals while it does DPS.
1. A defined engaging DPS rotation.
2. Small "smart" heals backed in to the DPS rotation.
3. Possibly an ability like the pommander from PoTD where if a person dies they are auto rezzed. (This would have to be applied like the SCH excog).
4. Debuffs!

Am I saying this would go over well with the masses? Probably not at first, as people are pretty attached to the current healers. I am also not saying that these changes shouldn't come without nerfs and buffs, I am a SCH main myself but I am not so blind as to not see they are a bit OP right now. What I am saying however, is I think with the current state of healing, and how similar all the healers feel is hindering the ability for SE to create a new class that would be fun and original.

Please let me know what you think, about these concepts, and about the current state of healers. I personally am hoping for big reworks come 5.0!