Doing some minimal practice, I've found letting the hunter's pet tank works just as well as when soloing. If following a tank or other melee, let your dps build up slower. I just am used to, in 4 days, hitting f12, which i made follow. It usually doesn't need to be done, but is a quick, easy to identify button. Or train your eye to watch your minimap for castaways. I think a hunter taking the lead, at least through the pet is best. There's no repair, only feeding costs involved.

Even more so, you already said you wanted your pally to heal, just let him lead the hunter, and send pet first. Best bet is full beastmaster. Save your pally heals for when the HOT just ain't doing enough to minimize healer hate.