They do it alot more now, There have been alot of Empire shamans and Empire thieves lately. And some seem to live on eastern, so people notice it now. Same as when a giant with insane eq and 100% flurry starts flurrying people, it has always been extremely powerful but from time to time it gets more noticed.

Thing is also, it has been such an extreme deathtrap for some classes/cabals. Even if it is not often you would survive a shaman/thief combo it is even less chance now, even for the experienced players. You cannot run to them fast and surprise them as you must pass centurions and when you are jacked there is little chance of survival.

I like the suggestion by larcat of changing centurions so they only "guard roads". And I would also like to make inner guardians no summon places, that is a whole different thing though.