Ryze Shield and W

I know it has been a while, but why was his shield after getting 3 runes removed? Every mage worth his magic has a shield (or at least several do). I liked being able to multi hit ppl and then shield up and go all in without worrying about damage. But now it just gives move speed (which Ryze doesnt need as much as shield).

Also his W was changed to instead of being a pillar of light blocking the enemy, its not a wierd circle thing on the ground, which is much less cool. You are taking away classic Ryze skills. He has had that pillar thing since forever. Now he only slows people unless he uses Spell Flux first where as before using W on Spell Flux just amplified the skill. I personally think these changes are taking away the fun of Ryze. He is one of my top mages and the first mage I ever played (and third champ after Ashe and Morde). I would like to see how others feel about this? Is this Ryze nerf good? Or does he deserve his classic skills back so he can be a power mage?

Also bug issue: Dark Crystal Ryze's E is Blue instead of magenta/red like his other skills. Its weird. Hopefully that will be fixed soon.