I don't think there's been an influx of friars since the patch two weeks ago. I've seen maybe a total of 5 since then? Doesn't mean they're not viable, but they're definitely not fotm or in the <Meta> right now. I really thought there would be at least one "real 8man" running a friar, but i haven't seen it yet. Still waiting for dark dawn to roll alb and show us how it's done.
I think a large portion of the current friar base didn't make their friar's to be a healer first, peeler second. So I think many aren't even trying it out (also the problem that Reflex Attack is mandatory for solo/small group; which brings 0 value to full groups). They were likely looking for more group versatility or had higher expectations of the self-buffing performance on a buffbot-less server (potions/charges are unfortunately too effective relative to friar class balance).
It maybe be months until enough new friars are leveled up with intent to be rejuv; by the time the player base decides if they are good or not, they will be competing with high RR alternatives. Which lowers the incentive for someone to even bother.
As is, group mentality is that you are 41 rejuv or wasting people's time. Even then, you are still a 'filler' or a "dammit, why aren't their more clerics online'. Maybe when there are enough RR5 friars that can run det9, ST, & VR3 that will change.
Personally, I'd like to see a bit more incentive to run 45/34/34. As well as an in-between alternative to Reflex Attack. Something not as strong while solo/small man but brings value to groups. Maybe some sort of ability that increases the enhance line by augmenting AF,Absorb, and baseline buffs.
1.8 point per lvl is still the needed component to enable the new changes to be utilised properly. ATM speccing a friar is still way too restrictive to be worth considering one, because if they specialise in say rej (like the change tried to promote), they lose out too much in other aspects which are normally the main reasons to pick a friar, negating the point on picking the friar to begin with.
1.8 points will mainly encourage higher rej spec (which I believe was the main idea behind the recent changes) due to the higher staff styles not being worth the costs and enh should already be high on most friars.
1.8 point per lvl is still the needed component to enable the new changes to be utilised properly. ATM speccing a friar is still way too restrictive to be worth considering one, because if they specialise in say rej (like the change tried to promote), they lose out too much in other aspects which are normally the main reasons to pick a friar, negating the point on picking the friar to begin with.
1.8 points will mainly encourage higher rej spec (which I believe was the main idea behind the recent changes) due to the higher staff styles not being worth the costs and enh should already be high on most friars.
This would make Friars the new fotm. That many spec points allows for good group mechanics and solo mechanics. Typically on hybrid you are going with group spec or solo/small spec. Getting the best of both world's would just bring more of other threads from other hybrid classes asking for the same.