>Of all the classes, I can't think but of a handful (healer,
>conjurer, most thieves) that wouldn't be able to bust out
>enough maledicting attacks to tame a non-offense form, which
>on the other hand should be more than able to just avoid or
>run away from them as non-offense non-air shifters lack the
>brutal damage and the superior chasing ability.

An assassin might have trouble against a utility form w/ dam redux. He basically has axe kick and caltraps. But yeah, lots of classes can maledict.

>Which would still be better than being forced to suffer the
>rigidness of having exactly -20 saves and the exact 18 str to
>use, IMHO. It's more a dramatic limit than a strength in my
>view.

I could see allowing stats to carry over, and possibly saves. Especially now that STR/DEX malediction affects shifters to such a large degree. If they so choose, maybe they should be able to sacrifice HP/MANA in exchange for some extra STR/DEX. But HIT/DAM...no. Progs from gear...no.