This is one of the most balanced times in that Sampires and Dexxers now completely dominate PvM and PvP. All round balanced coverage.
They have even turned most of the mages into Dexxers, who are now using weapons.
Splintering in itself is not an issue.
Deathstrike, Splinter, Dismount, AI AI AI is a huge issue.
For me, Dismount, Running, Potions are the biggest culprits in poor PvP style, it leads to making everything else look bad.
What happens to the Pure Mages, who don't want to adapt, and don't want to pick up a weapon?
(Who don't want parry, don't really want to use potions, just want a spellbook, and to play a mage?)
I've quit PvP now, I will be letting my sub run down, and I'll wait for a Pure Mage publish to decide if I return.
Been nice seeing the Tamer publish for Shadowguard, the Sampire publish in Doom, the PvP publish for Dexxers and weapon users, the new massive Tamer publish (I do wish tamers the best of luck btw it does look cool for them) - but seriously, there are other templates out there - Crafters, Rogues, and Pure Mages for example.