The intention with these sets was, I believe, to provide something to do with Travel Powers now that they benefit from slots.
However, the specials were designed to go in Combat movement powers (even though there is none for running).
I feel like this is a clear design flaw.
I'm not actually advocating their removal. I'm fine with there being a few scrappers with aggro auras, just like there's one controller with no pet, several blasters without snipes, a few buff sets that deal damage, and so on. Some variety is good.
Yeah sleeps will be actual DE-buffs, or if you like ANTI-buffs. That’s mighty and is a BIG boost to CC, and yes, let’s hope an indication of possible directions to go with fixes for Mind Control, Force Fields, and more.
Ok, I literally just tested it and yes I see, the in game numbers ARE WRONG. Barrier t4 absolutely includes 120 seconds Defense buff (in the combat stats window), but the numbers indicate only the 10 second buff (in the powers info).
As for Alpha buffing Destiny, that's INSANE and sounds to me like a bug. Alpha should not be buffing things that cannot be slotted.
This is not what the numbers in game say.
The in game numbers very clearly indicate that the defense portion last no longer than 10 seconds even on the tier 4.
Unless the in game numbers are wrong?
And WHAT? Alpha buffs Destiny? Since when?
If anything they should remove the aggro auras from the scrappers that have them.
Scrappers exist, in my opinion, so that somebody who wants to play melee DPS but be neither tank nor rogue has an option.
Granite is great with a build of mostly SOs or Common IOs. There are often powers that are intended to be great while leveling but not as important with a kitted out 50. Some Armor set emergency buttons are among those powers.
But that said, I still basically agree with you.
@Jacktar The way to tell the difference (because the wording IS confusing) is to look at the actual numbers. Knockback of magnitude less than 1 is only Knockdown. The numbers on most Stone Melee powers are 0.67 magnitude knockback, so they should be functioning as Knockdown in most cases without using the special enhancements.