The context for the Shen nerfs does NOT make sense.

Shen’s global presence should come at a tradeoff: when he teleports to defend his allies, he’s sacrificing his own success. If his presence doesn’t turn the tide of a fight, Shen should return to lane at a disadvantage - after all, his opponent was collecting uncontested gold and experience while Shen was elsewhere. At present, however, it’s almost impossible to put Shen on the back foot due to how much dueling strength is baked into his kit. Shen will still be able to out-trade his opponents if he can purchase the damage to do so, but will no longer be as successful without offensive items.

Ok, let's break this down.

Shen’s global presence should come at a tradeoff: when he teleports to defend his allies, he’s sacrificing his own success. If his presence doesn’t turn the tide of a fight, Shen should return to lane at a disadvantage - after all, his opponent was collecting uncontested gold and experience while Shen was elsewhere.

This part is fine. All Shen players know that, but you know some of us take TP to return to lane to lessen that disadvantage after a successful gank. Also, you're acting like kills and assists don't mean shit compared to top lane farm, so... there's that.

At present, however, it’s almost impossible to put Shen on the back foot due to how much dueling strength is baked into his kit.

47.99% winrate, folks. Has a leash to his only damage ability that cannot be hidden. Relies on positioning and gets shit on by poke. Literally cannot hard counter anybody with a brain. Seems legit.

Shen will still be able to out-trade his opponents if he can purchase the damage to do so, but will no longer be as successful without offensive items.

be able to out-trade his opponents if he can purchase the damage to do so

if he can purchase the damage to do so

WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?!?

Riot, did you copy this off some old Irelia nerfs patch or something? Because I don't remember building damage that early on in the game as Shen. #BECAUSE HE'S A TANK.

but will no longer be as successful without offensive items.

Riot, I don't know what the hell you think Shen players are building, but I'm sure it's not offensive items. is an optional mid-late game purchase at best. is wasted. is built more on Yasuo than Shen. Look up Shen builds and tell me how many offensive items they are buying.

So let me get this straight: You're nerfing Shen because you want him to build offensive items instead of tank to be relevant. AT ALL.

#Why?!?

This is literally the stupidest reason to nerf a tank. Especially one with sub-par tank stats and literally the only thing setting him aside is the ability for him to duel until the enemy builds MR or lifesteal. So I do not understand why you're forcing a tank to build 'offensive items' to do anything in lane. You already made him hard to play against competent opponents, not to mention you're nerfing his shield, so that's another thing that doesn't fit the reason for these nerfs.

Riot. Can we get a real reason instead of some cookie cutter bullshit? I am not convinced.