Wow.
Have you tried tanking? It's similar for the "who lives and dies" thing, although in a different way. Healer/Tank pairings are great fun for queueing into random groups, as they together can pretty much browbeat the group's bullshit into following their lead. I'd pick up tanking myself if I didn't find it a little disorienting.
I like warlock/necromancer-like classes. I love DoTs, minions, and the self healing that comes with it.
Same. Nearly any game, self-sufficiency and diversity attract me. Necromancers in most games end up strong in both areas. I have played many healers in the past, but they ultimately end up getting no credit. So when some braindead tank complains about almost dying (thinking they are invincible, and it's your fault you can't keep them alive in the midst of their idiotic rampage), I let him taste real pain and let him manage on his own a couple times and see the real difference. Part of the reason Guild Wars 2 has appealed is being able to heal yourself and everyone can rez everyone.