It does however keep the weapon in account for the playstyle of that weapon set. An axe for the necro will still be magic damage, but close range. A staff is long range. So no whirlwind indeed, but an axe stays an axe. To get close to enemies and shred them.
---------- Post added 2012-01-25 at 07:04 PM ----------
People are sidekicked to the max level of the zone. So, say the shatterer is intended for lvl. 45 and the zone is set for a maximum of level 50(just random numbers here), even if you are level 80, your power will be downscaled to level 50 so you won't be uberstrong in that fight. This keeps events interesting and challenging.