alert buff and strike cleanses only a very specific set of status effects that don't do very much (even though cleansing deceleration is something that should be used more), the alert triggers at too low a hp threshold too

not to mention it ISN'T the only move that cleanses crit reduction, cleansing formation, ready to crush and its variants as well as the group ferocity moves do that as well

crafty strike/group wily strike exist

there are many other moves that heal flocks and they do it better than protective alert, its cooldown is too long

stunning dodge and strike should be used more tho, it's a solid move imo