So do the units only get the benefit of this while within 8 of the steg. Or do they only have to be in range when its activated
Note it was errata'd so it is declared in the charge phase and lasts to the next charge phase. So you'll want to stay in range anyway.. Healing happens map wide and even when the engine or trog is dead.
Given that the rule has been cleared, we could discuss about this. A Tunderquake with double ark bastiladon and EOTG is made to form a compact block to shred enemies in melee, so that would resolve the problem.
I did listen to a podcast the other day that stated that ”creators will” do not work in the shooting phase. I cant se any reason why it should not. Have I missed something?
Creator's will is declared at the beginning of the combat phase so it doesn't work in your FIRST shooting phase.