Why use AA's to make ranged in melee?

[Meskin]

<p>Hey, I don't quite get the point of having fire and cold, etc also be melee abilities because they are on the same cooldown timer, so it isn't like you get an extra ability.  Probably a completely lame question, but can anyone explain the purpose of spending points here?  (I get the fact that the end of the line gives you a crit bonus for melee, but surely that can't be the only reason these exist).</p>

[Wargod1968]

<p>Getting the Combat Art version of the spells:</p><p> - Combat Arts are for the most part, uninterruptible, unlike spells.</p><p> - They never need to be replaced every 14 levels.</p><p> - The damage scales with  your level</p><p> - They can be used while moving</p>

[Isard]

<p>don't forget that they cast MUCH faster allowing you to cast heals quicker inbetween casts.  And once you get the 75% crit chance the damage is really nice.</p>

[ccarro]

<p>Another thing about making a warden a melee guru is that you can equip gear intended for bruiser/monks and really do some sweet dps. Also, the melee thing works well with the AA lines in the druid tree that have a chance to proc group heals with each melee attack.</p><p>-Quick combat arts that can't be interupted</p><p>-Move while casting</p><p>-No waiting for a spell to finish to cast a cure or heal</p><p>-Free group heals (with the right AA's)</p><p>-Better solo ability with STR gear</p>