Beacon (or "Bacon" as we call it) is and will never be a useless talent by any stretch of the imagination. It's better for some fights than others. Obviously fights like Patchwerk and even phase 3 KT come to mind as huge multi-tank fights. You get some rediculous healing out of it. This ability becomes more useful (and necessary) the higher you go, especially in 10 mans.

I very rarely put bacon on myself. Before the patch, I didn't want to heal myself unless I had to because if another healer healed me, I'd get mana back. Now, it's not as much of an issue.

As far as boxing goes? Make the pally the tank and get a priest. =)