>For scrolls, you
>have the opportunity to recite them on yourself, great.
>Forget about reciting on a snared person - that initiates
>combat. Why not waylay instead?

For what it's worth, the last time I played a decently high level ranger I used both scrolls and staves (as in, on other players as opposed to on myself) at times. In my opinion, sometimes waylay is the right answer, and sometimes it isn't.

Even just recite/brandish on yourself is a pretty good utility ability. For example, aura/shield staves/scrolls tend to be an easier thing to deal with than potions of the same.