Technically sorcerers have to spend 6 talent points to get the "guaranteed" free Consumption. And it doesn't always crit. Granted, there's nothing else to put the talent points in, but I'm sure the same is true for Operatives too.
My guild usually runs with a sorc/operative healing team (me being the sorc) and we do quite well. Before you accuse me of carrying him, know that I spend almost as much time putting DoTs up and casting FL and LS as I do healing. Maybe the problem lies with how you manage your energy?