To me, dev got idea. Everyone got idea, but none of them was able to pass 1st discussion, or at least is solid enough to pass 1st play tests. I also think they got idea similar to our, if they consider to add more dps tools to healer, which is something we cannot be certain of (Yoshi-p wanna embrace pure heal concept back in time). On the other hand, I supposed EW was a test about shield healer and pure healer concepts. IMO, they can push the concept further, as to me, this 1st try is sucessful.

I agree with you on DFD, it's a poor ability now and could be remove/rework (I put a piece on being tied on cd with spine dive for being it's aoe counterpart). Sidewinder could get some love, but 300 potency isn't that bad as ranged potency are lower because they got a trait which increase their skill dommage by 20% (and 30% for mages). On ability cut, i cannot think about any healing ability from being removed. But it's something what will be needed at some point. It could also lead to more specification between shield and pure concepts.