Jim I played a consular sage to level 17. She was an effective healer in several groups. As for solo, using Quizen Fess as a tank I had no problem soloing level 17 elites. Fess does good damage and I was able to keep him healed MOST of the time. When I failed to keep him healed was usually when I tried to do some dps. I like the consular better than the trooper and smuggler. She will be my first character.
I will also be playing an Inquisitor. Lightning from the fingers is just too much to pass up. But I will also be doing some healing with her.