Quote:The healers this impacts most directly, arguably, are shaman and paladins. I don't think it's a coincidence those are the two healing classes with the fewest different heals.
I really don't feel three heals for paladins (Shock on CD) and four for shammies (and ES is a cooldown) is "too big" of a toolbox by any stretch of the imagination.
Anyways, this might all be a kneejerk reaction, because I haven't read up on either on any of those two healers' new WotLK spells. All I know about them I've learnt from how they get assigned in our raids;) Maybe their toolbox is huge in Wrath, heck if I know :P
Those two classes specifically have been given a quick-casting low-throughput heal to deal with smaller chunks of damage: Flash of Light and Lesser Healing Wave. What else is needed? If a paladin needs more throughput, toss Holy Light, and accept that your efficiency is going to go down. If a shaman needs smaller heals for tank safety, cast LHW, and accept that your efficiency is going to go down. Better yet, pair healers with complimentary healing abilities on the tank, and actually work out who's going to do what, rather than everyone being able to to everything.
The toolbox is already big enough without downranking, and is only getting bigger as the level cap goes up. (Edit: Blizzard also has an eye on these things, so I wouldn't get too scared just yet, even if you totally disagree with me and think downranking is the heart and soul of healing.)
-Jester