On the DS issue,
I have one Ninja char...its a herder.
I use GM tracking and 120mace/stealth/ninja.
If all procs go of I can hit people for 80 on a DS.
Thats a little extreme IMO.
The way i read the dev feedback post, all damage of a deathstrike below 35 is direct damage. It was only when a DS exceeded this that it became Physical. I havent really been on test to check but i have to say the it needed something.
With the mana i have i can easily kill most people on a herder if they dont move and all if they do.
I use a war axe so, Ar ignore(35 - 51with lightning), DS (15ish hit, 16ish lighting 50+ DS)...thats Death to anyone with very little mana cost or difficulty.
Personally i think the change was needed...especially when you added spell plague into the mix.