I just got to Balmorra, excited for my companion. I feel like his style will fit my style pretty well. He will run into a fight and draw the aggro, while I use my aoe skills, then I can focus on healing until he is fine then AOE more.
I have tried keeping 4X up to date with his gear but I feel like no matter what his health drains a lot faster then Aric's.
I was using Elara until Tat, then her healing falls off compared to the damage you take. then I went back to Jorgan. Have been using him ever since, he made it pretty well on Alderaan, no real trouble.