Alistar - Debatable Choices

Alright, the problem I find with Alistar right now is that his mana consumption is pretty harsh. A combo plus a few lane heals will easily drain his mana reserves in no time. Yet, at the same time, he quite squishy if not built correctly. Some might retort that his ultimate is there to counter that, but that would only be the case if you're dead set and committed to a kill. Otherwise, should you attempt at a kill not work, you're again left at the point that I first mentioned; void of almost all your mana.

Not only this, but his early game ability timers are at the same point that Sejuani's were prior to her adjustmment. As an early game Alistar, you essentially go in, do your combo and theeeen... what? Use your ultimate? Well, lets face it - you're not really a threat after that, so no one is targeting you anyhow. In fact, they tend to just seep right around you as you pathetically auto attack them.

Not so mention, if your lane falls slightly behind, Alistar beccomes a COMPLETE push-over. It's a pretty harsh life as a bull. Cann we please get some love?

Which brings me to my point... What do you do when your choice are slim to none?