If Karmas changes don't go to live...

I use RW to bait a lot, it's all I have left of old Karma's playstyle. New RW is complete garbage in comparison. RW's bonus damage is removed and your only other damage ability is Q. That 20% vamp to a specific target is never going to heal you 40% of your missing HP. New RE also does no damage, as if her wave clear needed to get any worse.

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You still have W + RQ combo, no? 20% healing from all damage you deal to RW tether + root targets. That includes items (LichBane & Luden's echo), spells and auto attacks which all get +10% damage bonus. Shield change is just pure awesome. 6 second cd at max rank. 3,6 sec cd at 40% cdr on a shield that lasts for 4 seconds! Permanent shield :D

No it really does kill solo-lane karma

Specifically the W change is only for R-W. meaning the debuff and healing elements will not be present in any combination where karma chooses to R-Q. What makes Karma a fun solo laner is the kit versatility. She has several ways to fight back of harass opponents, without needing the oppressive damage of an assassins 100-0 combination. R-Q for its burst, W and R-W for harassing through minions and surviving those assassin all ins (in combination with her shield) and R-E for a burst of damage for those who like to hide deep in the minion line in the4 early game. She can do all that without being completely overbearing which makes her fun and strategic in the mid lane in particular.

The future PBE changes just take all that versatility and force it into a support only role. As of right now full AP Karma can have a late game fall off but it rarely hit her very hard because her abilities still remain fairly effective in their support aspects even if her damage starts to fall off (good CC strong shields, which are still very frequent with 40% CDR as you mentioned above). I can't imagine even people who loved 'old' karma but disliked 'new' Karma are suddenly going to jump back onto the wagon. I like both but I personally wouldn't play this version, I only speak for myself of course.