As we can see, this class has been the most controversial class when it comes to its pvp aspects. It has become utterly obvious to this point that the warlock class is an exploit and/or "loop hole" in pvp matches. The devs sort what they thought to be a solution, reducing the lasting times of dark circle etc... by 15-20%. When these reports first surfaced itself, I knew that this would bare little to no effect on the issue we sit on right now. When they are in a group (5 v 5), these skills stack upon each other and ignores this 15-20% decrease in time if the skill is continually stacked.
SO what is the solution then?
It's quite simple. Look back to the elf equivalence to a warlock (A Mage). Their "holding" skill chains, pushes enemies away and takes away all mobility. The weakness to it is that all skills can still be used, allowing for a balance to still remain there. This skill would be considered a weakness to only melee classes and not bare the same effect on distance classes.
SO why do Warlocks have 2 completely stunning skills that can be stacked?
We all wonder that question and from experience have seen that it is granting too much power to a single class.
How do we fix this without removing any of the warlocks current skills?
The fix lies upon altering dark circle's bare effects. The duration in the skill isn't the issue, its moreso of what happens to the victim while the skill is being used. If Dark Circle is altered to where it only and ONLY prevents the victim from moving (much like earthquake & chains), it would help restore some of the balance to the pvp aspects of the game. If a warlock desires to stun an individual, fear should be the only desired skill to do so (in similar fashions to a shaman's stuns & skill setup).
Should this be the only change to a warlock?
This is a very good & controversial conversation to entertain. First beginning with, what else would be changed? The only other minor change I could see possible without hindering their power too much would be to slightly lessen the success rate on Dark Circle so that it can't be stacked as easily amongst 5~ individuals in a given match. It should only dramatically lessen the success rate when 2 or more circles are placed on top of each other (maybe a 50% success rate?). When not stacked, allow for it to be used in the same current fashion we have now so that some skill & teamwork is necessary in order to have great success.
Let me know what you all think. I would be very curious to see everyone's opinions on the proposed changes above upon fixing the exploit.