Henchie Healer Survival

I've been playing for about a week and have gotten to level 12 with my R/W. I've been doing most of my quests and missions with henchmen, and all has been well...until recently. My henchie healer is getting a whole lot of attention from the mobs now and I'm having a real problem keeping her alive. She is the only henchie I ever use my Rez Signet on. I've tried tying the group down with a flag while I do pulls in the hope that she'll stay safe and not run out front and draw aggro, but to no avail. Those Iron Summit fellas just go right for her with everything they've got, especially the melee types. So, here are my questions:

1. Is there any strategy I could be using to better protect my healer henchie?

2. Is this just the way it is? And if so, am I better off just replacing her with a damage dealer in the hope that the fights will be over that much faster? I can't argue with the tactic of wiping out healers first. I do it to them.

I realize I'd be better off grouping with a real, live, breathing Monk player, but I am curious if there is a better way to handle my henchmen.

Thanks!

The only way is to get better with those flags. Do not replace her with a damage dealer or you'll just die faster. Also, if you buy Nightfall you can have access to heroes which you can make much better builds so they stay alive, hench have terrible builds. The game was a lot more difficult before they implemented flags and heroes...

I'd agree that Heroes are a huge help, but that still doesn't stop them from attacking the healer first

Some things to consider - not replacing the healer, but the tanks. I know this sounds counter to what you might think, but sometimes what you really need to do is shut down their specific power. For example, a mesmer can be a real boon to help weaken them and shut down (interupt) their skils and spells. Maybe an earth based elem can make them spend half their time on their butts? Play with different combos of henchmen, even if they sound "not right", you'd be amazed at what a mismatched group of henchies suddenly produces sometimes.

Also, as mentioned, pulling is an art. Flag them WAY back, use a BOW, and try to pull just one or two enemies at a time. This may involved a shoot-run-shoot-run-shoot-etc pattern. This is annoying and tough, but effective.

May I also suggest reading the wikis? LOts of people before you have likely already figured out the Primo group and strategy.

Finally, don't knock a human group. Sometimes, you just gotta team up.

The games AI works similar to the way we all play the game. Go for the healers first, then the damage dealers then lastly the tanks. That said, when you encounter a group of foes, they tend to target your healers first. When u see someone pestering your healer, switch to them and take them out, then carry on with the rest.

Since you are a Ranger, pack throw dirt on your skill bar for those melee chars that go for your casters. You could also bring dust trap and plant one infront of your flagged henchies.

Thanks everyone! I guess I'll just have to keep working on my tactics and keep a look out for the skills mentioned. If all else fails I'll have to find some friends to PUG with.
I've only been playing a short time so my friends list is a little short. I'm also reluctant to just "blind" join a guild looking for recruits. I'd rather get to know some players first to see if their play style and personality are compatible. Thanks again for your comments.