User blog comment:Deshiba/Melee Supports Comparison/@comment-24706802-20140428031822

I think Alistar, though his damage is slightly lower, is still very relevant right now due to the meta of kill supports. He is an effective counter to both Leona and Thresh since trying to initiate on the ADC while he's around is a bad idea. Basically he can give many ADCs a safe lane phase with his peel, and has lots of play-making power.

I do agree the he needs a few little changes, becuase he is ridiculously easy to poke down, and his heal doesn't scale well into the late game. I agree with the issues you stated as well.

As long as Leona and Thresh remain meta, Alistar will have a consolidated place in game, but he needs a few changes so that he will not vanish into obscurity if sustain and poke supports make a resurgence.