I use a phoenix down every couple weeks or so on average. The cast time is indeed painful and I agree should be reduced. As an example my healer died early on the final boss of Yuweyawata Field Station last night, right around Leporine Loaf, and I couldn’t afford to hold still for the cast until it completely finished that long series of mechanics and started casting Crater Carve. As for people going back down immediately, this healer stayed alive for the rest of the fight and it’s typical of most players in my experience that they’re not downed immediately.

In terms of changes to Phoenix Downs, I would reduce or eliminate the cast time, and keep the long cooldown but have it be independent of potions.

In terms of being a good use of time and items, well, I want this game to be fun, and it’s no fun to be on the ground dead. So I make an effort to rez a dead player out of sympathy, because that could have been me.