What's the general consensus on group #1 and group #2 merits?
For Tier 1, I'd recommend 5/5 Full Circle effect, and then whatever else you want for that category. It's an effective 50% increase in MP return when you use Full Circle, and really the only must-have in that category in my opinion.
For Tier 2, I personally went 5/5 Radial Arcana and 5/5 Curative Recantation. The heal from Curative Recantation is weirdly strong and really quite useful. Radial Arcana is a personal choice; I was never able to find a use for Mending Halation, as in group events (really the only place you'll find Geomancer) healing HP is far easier than healing MP. But I know of people who love Mending Halation and split it with Radial Arcana, so it's up to you there I guess. And obviously Primordial Zeal just isn't worth the points.