Here and on the official forums, there are threads discussing some of the changes to SS related specifically to Holy Paladins. In the latest blue post regarding the changes behind SS, it was stated that they will be reverting the change of making SS baseline for Prot, as well as reverting the 30% EF nerf. They also said they want to make SS more attractive for Ret and Holy as a talent option. So I want to start this thread and get the ball rolling on any ideas regarding any changes that could be made to SS as a talent that is attractive to all three specs.
I personally think a few mechanical changes to SS would make it much more attractive to all specs.
Instead of waiting 6 seconds for the absorb effect to activate, why not make the absorb effect activate instantly and simply increase the cooldown of the spell to 10-15 seconds so we can't spam it? Just like ice-barrier for mages. It makes it worth spending the GCD.
If Hoy or Ret want to take SS they will be sacrificing EF and SH, which means both specs, in addition to Prot, will only be casting WoG's, and much more frequently. Because of this, adding synergy between SS and WoG is even more important as an incentive to switch over to SS. If WoG's synergy with SS was also tailored differently for all three specs, it could go a long way in terms of balance and useful application for each spec.
-For Holy, perhaps consider raising the crit chance of WoG and Holy Shock by 20% on a shielded target.
-For Ret and Prot, increase the crit chance of WoG and Flash of light (so we have the option to hard-cast FoL if we so desire) on a shielded target by 20%.
The increased crit chance are just numbers i'm throwing out. The main mechanics of the spell and the secondary benefits it provides to all three specs are more important, and numbers can always be tuned later.
**EDIT**
I also think giving the Cata SS to Ret baseline is a good move. Realistically, Ret is the only spec that would need that kind of baseline buff, especially in terms of PVP, and I think keeping the WOTLK SS model as a talent choice to replace the Cata SS model would be a good choice, assuming that the WOTLK model is changed to be more attractive to Ret and Holy (see above). It would be the difference between passive survivability, or active survivability, but in all cases, never having to make the decision of sacrificing personal survivability (by not choosing SS) for team-support (by choosing SH).