SM vs NS/HTFollow

You're not alone.

Since SM started catching up in power to NS/HT, Nature's Swiftness has been becoming a more optional talent point, especially in 18/0/53 builds where the number of free talent points in the resto tree is limited. I've been prioritizing SM over NS/HT for a while now myself, as the output from them is fairly similar for me (12k for SM, 15K for HT) and either usually works to get someone out of the danger zone. A 3k difference in the average heal is hardly enough to justify an extra 165 seconds of cooldown in my mind...

These days the only times I really find myself using Natures Swiftness is:

-When I brez someone: either to make the brez instant-cast, or NS/HT to get them to full health faster if I'm worried about damage spikes.
-When I have 2 emergencies within 15 seconds (while SM is on cooldown).
-Any other time the person doesn't have a HoT on them (wasn't ever a problem before, but now that I'm using the RR glyph in more encounters it's a concern for me; though one that's been rather needless thus far).

There have been lockout periods I haven't even used my NS/HT macro. I've kept the point there with my 11/0/60 build mainly because there have been a few moments NS has proved really helpful lately, and I don't have another pressing place to put the point atm.

Ya, I guess my choice was +1% crit with Natural Perfection, or the seldom used emergency spell; can't really make a strong argument for either. I could see dropping it for an extra point in Living Spirit or Empowered Touch, with the 18/0/53, but again those aren't the most amazing talents, esp. if you seldom use Nourish. Same with the choice of 3/3 subtlety or -2% Mana cost on Nourish with from Tranquil spirit; neither of those is really game breaking. Not like threat or mana is usually a problem...

Actually, when you really sit down and look at it, a lot of the resto tree is rather lackluster.