Shifters can still be scary to fight for many classes. I remember getting my ass whooped by a lion as a decked arial assassin w/ sanctuary.

Here's what I remember:

1. Damage/tanking downgrades. Doesn't apply to all forms.
2. Can't heal at healers while in form.
3. Severely affected by -str/-dex now.
4. Shifting causes damage when maledicted.
5. Barrier harder to come by.

In my mind, #2 and #3 are the biggest hits. What did happen is that warriors got several upgrades and there happen to be tons of warriors.