My theory was always, don't bother healing. Just make sure you don't have to. Reaction abilities like Dragon Spirit, Blade Grasp, Hamedo, and Abandon kept me from ever doing things the "right" way. I never healed people. Just don't let them die. Or, equip Angel Ring or Chantage so, if they do, who cares? Besides, even if someone dies, with classes like Ninjas and Calculators...you could easily just wipe out all the other enemies in the three turns you're allowed before your homie crystalizes. So, I guess my answer to the Chemist or Priest question is: neither. Just get Blade Grasp as soon as you can and use Cheer Up alot. Most of my characters have a Brave rating of 97, the highest the game allows you to retain outside of battle. That's my theory, anyway.