So, I know that it seems to be a topic of discussion several times and I am still not sure of my stance on the subject. DPS...yes it's useful...and no it's not the end all be all of the game. I know it aggravates some to even speak of it and others strive for it. So here is my take on the topic.
Yes....it's much easier to do stf's (or any event for that matter) with a team that has good/higher dps numbers.....but it's also easy to do stf's with a TEAM of people that have maybe lower overall dps and a knowledge of what the mission goals are to accomplish the desired outcome. The real key to easy success in most missions is teamwork.....especially a few missions that make it impossible to do without teamwork and knowledge of the mission.
Personally, I feel that if I had higher DPS sometimes I could cover more mistakes by a team....but, since I'm a free to play guy I'm never going to be close to having great dps, and I really don't care. I've never had the best ships, equipment etc in any game I have ever played.....what I do have is the ability to try and adjust, learn from mistakes, and hopefully help others gain a quicker knowledge of a specific task then fumbling around in the dark. I think I can do a pretty dang good job of playing and helping others have fun even with the limitations that I impose on myself with regards to the things I have access too in the game, but my problem is that I can't explain what I am doing and fly effectively at the same time. In general, I think I'm a decent team mate, but that is up to others to decide. The problem with that is.....some people don't want to know or hear that they are doing a mission or task wrong ( and perhaps "wrong" is the wrong word.....) or ineffectively.
I am always willing to help new people, team mates/fleet mates get better at having a good ship and having fun.....but, as long as I have been here and tried...I still haven't been able to make progress getting a team of people that can run through a bunch of missions successfully and efficiently (yes, I know that is self-centered) . It get's a bit frustrating sometimes, but I still think it's possible that our fleet will have experienced players during all different time zones and the more teams of guys that are able to show others how something is done once in awhile, the better off we will be in the end.
Need to have everyone going around competing over dps.....NO
Need to have everyone at same point in learning curve....NO
Need to have fleet members actually want to be in our fleet....YES
Just my 2 cents
My engy toon has enough passive healing for me that I almost never need the extra heals and things....so I send them out as much as I can, I'm still not very good at it, but with practice it gets easier 
