SPYSWATTER wrote:
Not using PW:S and calling it a crutch is like warrior not using a weapon so he doesn't 'rely' on it in the future.
It's more like learning to do without when needed. Like your example a warrior who relies too much on their weapon loses out to their advantages of their other gear, shield, chest, etc. What happens when that warrior is disarmed?
Just like in the case of a priest. Relying too heavily on a shield can turn it into a crutch. There will be times when you can't use your shield. By learning your other abilities you can stretch your possibilities farther.
SPYSWATTER wrote:
Mental - that might sound like a spear launched at you, but it isn't intended to be. After reading your post, I tried incorporated PS into my 'big bag o tricks' on a more regular basis just to see if it could replace PW:S. I must be a shadtard, cause it didn't replace it.
Fear is not meant to replace the shield. In some situations the two are interchangeable. Those are the situations are when someone who relies on a shield should be learning to use fear. Then when the time comes that shield doesn't work but a fear will then the player will be trained and better prepared in using their other tools, ie fear.
There will be times when fear isn't a good tool. There will be times when shield isn't a good tool. There could be times when using both provide some incredible results. While soloing I've done some amazingly large mob pulls using a combination of fears, shields, and other abilities. I'm was actually surprised with my shadow priest. I also heard that priest are hard to level and that they're so squishy. My priest has been one of my best soloers and levelers. I can take on things some of my other toons wouldn't even think about.
SPYSWATTER wrote:
It complimented it very nicely though (more so than I guess I realised), and I think THAT is what you were trying to get across here.
Now, if we just had an AOE in Shadow Form..........
And that's my whole point. They're both awesome when worked in together. The problem is players have a fear of using fears. They tend to focus too much on the cons and not see the pros. It is a double edged sword and should be used knowledgeably. How does one gain that knowledge? By forcing themselves to overcome their fears by dropping their crutches. :D