maybe consider -2 Abzan Battle Priest, +3 Abzan Falconer and then sideboard a few Retribution of the Ancients and bring in two or three Whip of Erebos.

this keeps your lifelink in tact without relying on +1/+1 counters for it. Also, Abzan Falconer gives you evasion with flying.

You may also want more ways for distribute +1/+1 counters than just outlast and Abzan CharmI would recommend looking at Reap What Is Sown and potentially Abzan Ascendancy.

If you would like a few ideas, you can check out my abzan Your Girlfriend Says I Outlasted You.

Sunbond on the pridemate

Cool Idea! +1 I would add in some Temples for Scrying.... And Maybe add Nyx-Fleece Ram or Ajani, Mentor of Heroes.

A great card for life gain is Sorin, Solemn Visitor. Also Ajani, Mentor of Heroes. Sadly both these cards are very exspensive.

I love lifegain decks so +1 from me!! I would suggest that you consider Honor's Reward and a Sorin, Solemn Visitor

http://tappedout.net/mtg-decks/abzan-heal-the-family/ Here is my approach on your idea!

I have an Abzan deck Abzan Midrange (Advice Welcome) if you want to look at it. I playtested yours and it seemed to not flow very well. I don't know what it was... (Could've been the website, sometimes decks just don't playtest well) Also... You need Ajani, Mentor of Heroes, he is just great in Abzan.