Patching 1.0.2c -- potentially nerfed mob damage

[Quark]

I'm confused by your comments about Disintegrate needing a 2-hander while not believing Arcane Orb does. They have the same casting cost. I use a 1-hander with shield, because I play hardcore, and the skill works fine. I agree with you that a cost reduction on disintegrate on your helm makes a world of difference, though.

Disintegrate playstyle is more "stand here and fire" - if you run out of AP, you aren't firing. Arcane Orb can stutter step cast. 2H means you get bigger hits in. 1H means you can be on the move more often, so less getting hit. Disregarding defensive stats gained from your offhand, there's an actual trade off (mobility vs damage) for Arcane Orb 2Hvs1H that just doesn't exist for Disintegrate.