One thing that has been bugging me is some choices with the Elementalist. I have been thinking about it and what really seems to stick out to me is how an option in the biography when you create your character seems to be at odds with the playstyle I have seen many elementalists have used in demos, especially in pvp.
When you first make your Elementalist, it asks you what element you are most in tune with. It even shows up as a crystal that floats in front of your forehead. However, I don't see the meaning in this. From what I have noticed in elementalist playstyle during a game session, elementalists switch attunements quite frequently. I have seen some switch between all 4 elements in one engagement and come out on top because of it. This rubs me the wrong way because the question when you make your character seems to suggest you would want to specialize in some way in your chosen element, maybe making you more powerful in that one specific attunement.
Yes, you can get traits to customize your playstyle, but if you limit yourself to one attunement you will be crippling your versatility unlike an elementalist that freely switches between attunements. That clash is really the main reason I won't be rolling an elementalist. I like the idea, but they should make a different question at the beginning, or make it so that in combat you can switch weapons (which an elementalist can't do currently) instead of switching attunements, or give that as an option to do one instead of the other. I think it would be cool to be a specialist in an element and be able to switch weapons to make use of your element in ways that a attunement switching elementalist couldn't.
As it stands right now, choosing an element when making a character seems to set up false expectations. I may be looking too much into it, but it feels disingenuous. If they keep things like they are, maybe change the question asking what weapon you like most and have that weapon always have some elemental flare to it while it's equipped? Since right now if you choose a weapon type, you are most likely going to stick with it since you can't switch weapons in combat. "I use my staff to channel my elements far and wide to spread their power and influence" "I choose a scepter for my weapon. It brings power with versatility, allowing me to be more tactical with placing power" "I choose daggers, they are perfect for getting in close precise strikes with my element and bringing greater mobility" or some such.
Am I just ranting and raving as usual, or has anyone else noticed this? I am sure some people will love switching elements, but I wonder if I more dedicated elementalist playstyle should be available as well. Thoughts/opinions?