I play with force field and nature frequently because none of those require frequent individual targeting, which to me feels like irritating whack-a-mole, especially with healing such as with pain or thermal; I feel like I'm watching health bars and clicking on individual players more than actually playing the game. It's even worse in a league.
Nature's cone heal is perfect because it meshes well with actually just playing through the game. "Look where you want to heal"and there you go. If more of the sets had some sort of similar functionality that required less watching the interface and more engaging with the game especially with heals and buffs I would play more of the other sets.
Support sets should always offer something to the caster as well, such as thermal shields for force bubbles, even if they offer just a fraction of the buff.
Tldr: older sets are punishing because they force you to disengage the gameplay in order to do your role.