So my summoner can summon monsters, but not when my Eidolon is present (yes, I could summon them using the spell, but I'm just talking about the class ability here).
So what's the best tactical approach, given that it takes a full minute to summon the eidolon? I'm thinking that the Summon Monster ability is best used when the eidolon is hurt. That is, I can't often use Summon Monster to soften up the enemy and then send in the eidolon because of the time necessary to summon him.
Thoughts on the best tactical use of these two abilities?
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Right. Have the eidolon as your constant companion. The eidolon softens up the opponents the best he can, then tags out.
First round: The eidolon delays for the summoner to slap a buff on him or simply bark the order to attack. The eidolon then charges off to attack.
Second round: The summoner delays one initiative tick to see how the eidolon is doing. If good, throw a spell or shoot a crossbow. Rinse & Repeat.
When the eidolon has taken significant damage and is in the +3 to -12 hp range, the summoner casts one of his SLA summon monsters to replace the eidolon. The new creature comes in somewhere between the summoner and the battle, while the eidolon dissolves into a puff of smoke. The new creature fights it best through the battle as mop up duty to the end. If he fails, summon another with another SLA use.
Now, after the battle is over, summon the eidolon back with the one minute ritual. It returns with the same hit points that it had when it tagged out. Pull out a wand of Lesser Eidolon Rejuvenation to restore its health to full, or have it stand in the cleric's Channel Positive Energy burst radius.
The tag out tactic is used when the hit points are getting low, but the eidolon is not fully dead. That way, you do not have to wait 24 hours before he can return. The best I can tell, the Life Link ability is not useful until the eidolon is at it's full -CON. So, you cannot stand back and be a hp battery for it and keep it standing in battle. But, you can block the "24 hour timeout" with it.
Analogy: Your Eidolon is a pro wrestler. The summoner is the ringside manager. When the battle is going against the wrestler, the manager occasionally "cheats" and sends in "outside interference" from the dressing room. But, over all, 20 minutes later the wrestler is ready to go again with no bruises or scratches.