The aspect of being an illusionist that appeals to me is the ability to switch back and forth between "dps-mode" and "damage-mitigation mode" depending on the group makeup, the mobs, and the circumstances of each fight. You need to decide at any given time whether the tank and healer (if any) have it under control or need your assistance with damage mitigation. If they do, you have the ability to mezz within the encounter (or outside adds obviously), to chain stifle, to debuff melee output by over 5 levels, to stun for part of the fight. These damage mitigation tools kill your dps, but they make a big difference if the fight is tougher than the group at hand.
In more routine situations where your healing and tankage need no help, you can now put out quite decent dps while being ready to save the day if things get out of hand.
I assume warlocks are still good soloers. Now illusionists have joined them, whereas before the update we were one of the most pitiful soloing classes. Now, while we cant kill as quickly and dont have AE roots for soloing, we have a strong single target root, mezzes and a pet personae with some limited damage tanking ability to give us different solo strategy options.
Message Edited by Roxxanne on 09-28-2005 04:38 PM