Nerf to block effectiveness was maybe needed for sentinel only

[Ekler]

The nerf had to solve the problem of different sentinel builds (like throw attack builds)
that gave to sentinel huge survivability, mainly because of high block effectiveness.
But sentinel has many skills/passives that boost block effectiveness.
The current nerf almost did nothing to sentinel, but all other classes that use shield and don’t have ways to to up block effectiveness are heavily nerfed.
The right way was to adjust sentinel abilities and not change shield block effectiveness.
Dont forget that we need choice to play 2-hander or 1-hander builds.
(and it must not be dependent on streamers that like certain way to play game)
2-hander build offer 2,3 times more damage and trade off is 30-50 % less toughness.
With new shields there is no choice for any class except sentinel.
Maybe its good rethink this nerf.

[Macknum]

Yesterday I had a discussion about this topic. While I agree that a shield alone with any nodes is a defensive boost the benefits a sentinel can have through all the block related nodes is an unfair advantage from my point of view. No other class uses the shield the same way and obviously they are to stupid to put up a piece of wood and metal.
The whole block or using a shield mechanic needs a downside like dual wield has. Just reduce the dodge chance while wielding a shield because I think it’s rather unfair 1 class can opt into another defensive layer far better then anyone else. A damage reduce might work as well there is plenty of stuff that can be done to make things fairer game system wise. Downsides to DW came because DW deals better dmg then everything else in theory. Why is there no shield usage nerf as well because it’s drasticly better on sentinels?
Overall I’m okay with the state of shields right now but sentinels have to much benefits with it other classes can’t share.

[Tibone]

It wasn’t needed at all the block effectiveness isn’t what made (block) OP

[nllsq]

I argued a few months ago for using global caps that affect only the unintended “OP” builds as an alternative to across-the-board nerfs that cripple ordinary builds.