Hey well i do agree a Buff would help out alot of Merc healers.
people do seem to struggle and i see it alot when im on one of my characters. I have a Sorc(Heals) a Merc(Heals) and I tank/dps on my Jugg all Rakarta Geared.
Testing the fights all done on nightmare 8man and 16man Mercs are able to keep relatively close to others but it is hard work. 16 man aoe healing as a Merc can be done but in nightmare very unlikely. Patch 1.2 Buff to Kolto Missile will help the class out.
I hope the Ability will be changed to 5-6 targets as i think that is a good number.
Anything more then 6 would be a over tune and 4 would still not be enough.
Before i talk about other healing class's Here is a guide i have put together for Mercs starting off healing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TB7aR1lN3r4
Now on about the "Nurf" to sorcs, This is only to the cost of the ability it i not the amount.
The Heals per second they can out put will not change as a good sorc healer can manage their force to 100% efficiency.
Sorcs/Sage have ability's for every fight they are the most rounded but give Bioware time they are doing an amazing job with patches.
Keep up the good work.
Sitesh-Citesh
The Swiftsure Server
http://www.remnantsswtor.com
http://www.youtube.com/user/CiteshGaming