User blog comment:Purebreaker/Vain, The Exiled Swordsman/@comment-10958553-20130825180309/@comment-10958553-20130826170812

My problem with healing is that it gives this beast even more susstain and i think that the character feels bursty in offence and defence.

Additionally if this ability were used to heal it would be less useful if you were at full health. With the shield you are allowed to crush your opponents at full health and still benefit, while if you were at low health you would still be protected for the time being.

Again, these are just thoughts the choice is yours.