The biggest nerf to Telekinetics in PvE comes from the fact that Sages no longer have access to AoE RDT, which is now only given to mDPS and Snipers / Gunslingers. While most combat styles had their survivability nerfed in some way with the release of 7.0, Telekinetics was arguably one of the hardest hit in PvE and is in a much worse place compared to 6.0.
Unfortunately, all DoT specs are leagues better when it comes to AoE, and many of them are competitive with PvE-style burst, including Balance. Telekinetics also has the potential to offer significantly more AoE damage than just most other burst specs in the game, though they now have to sacrifice some single-target DPS in exchange for rotational AoE. Its saving grace is its exceptional PvE-style burst, thanks to powerful offensive cooldowns that are enhanced by its legendary implants. Telekinetics is the strongest ranged burst spec by far, but it has trouble competing with most melee DPS disciplines in terms of sustained DPS. Telekinetics Sages fend off their aggressors with ceaseless gusts of telekinetic Force energy while confounding their foes with Jedi mind tricks.