Does essence reaver need a rework?

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The problem with Essence Reaver, in my opinion, is that it was clearly intended to be a first rush item for AD Casters. The Mana return and the Life-Steal are extremely negligible the later the game goes on so the only reasons to buy it later is for the AD and CDR. Basically, the item has to be stronger for a first rush to be viable, otherwise it will always be bad.

I think bumping the Lifesteal or/and CDR up to 15% are the only real buffs they can do for it in this current state because of the fear that it could make AD Caster Assassins and Fighters too strong. Don't know what else they can do to it, otherwise they should get rid of it.

I find it more of a hybrid item for AD Casters. Since Casters don't use Life Steal as Effectively as Auto Attackers. It's not going to compete against manamune as the premier AD Caster items.

That in mind, If Manamune is the Early mana, scale into late game item, then ER should have a more powerful mid game power spike. In that Sense, Increased CDR would make sense.