  We investigate the connection between quasi-classical (pointer) states and
generalized coherent states (GCSs) within an algebraic approach to Markovian
quantum systems (including bosons, spins, and fermions). We establish
conditions for the GCS set to become most robust by relating the rate of purity
loss to an invariant measure of uncertainty derived from quantum Fisher
information. We find that, for damped bosonic modes, the stability of canonical
coherent states is confirmed in a variety of scenarios, while for systems
described by (compact) Lie algebras stringent symmetry constraints must be
obeyed for the GCS set to be preferred. The relationship between GCSs,
minimum-uncertainty states, and decoherence-free subspaces is also elucidated.
