Excelsior comrades!
This is my view on the patch that was recently released. It takes some time to evaluate the effect of a patch so expect updates on my opinions as I get more familiar with the effects of the new changes.
Tooltips
First of all I am very happy with the new tooltips. This was a much needed change! providing players with accurate information is necessary for clever decision making. With this patch they have made a good step in this direction. On this topic I would like to attract your attention to the skill data thread , which is still in construction would benefit from the help of willing contributors 
Normalisation
I really appreciate the idea of “normalizing” our trait and spell effects. Yes it may appear as a nerf to some people, but the truth is that it helps us to be more constant with the use of such effects. I often find many oddities with our skills, so this initiative is a step in the right direction: it enables us to better master the effect of what we do, which then helps the developers to better evaluate the potential of our skills.
Staff
I see buffs to a weapon that desperately needs some. In case you have not noticed yet they have been buffing staff bit by bit in the last few patches. Yes, it seems to take some time, but they are going in the right direction. My advice to the devs is to take a look at the air attunement next.
Conjures
At last! Now these weapons are meaningful. I don’t know yet how much more powerful they are, but they were so disappointing that any buff is highly appreciated. Of course the conjuring part is still lacking, but at least now we get something.
Traits
One with air has no use in PvE. Persisting flames has been buffed and this is affecting a number of builds, starting with the full dps staff.
Conclusion
It’s a fair patch. I am definitely not against any of the changes operated.
Of course it is not enough and I would have a billion suggestions to push this further, much further. However, they are going in a direction that I tend to support.
For the future
Please keep normalising, fixing, and optimising. There are still so many aspects of the class that need attention. I will give my list of priority things to look at very soon.
First thoughts:
- arcana trait line (highest concentration of weak traits)
- fire trait line minors
- traits afffecting conjures
- staff’s air
Keep the positive work and thank you for listening to us
Retired elementalist theorycrafter
(edited by Zelyhn.8069)