Why is there an insatiable need / desire to buffer nerfs when it comes to damage?

Why not just nerf damage and see where it goes? The changes make no sense at all.

Nerf Electrocute? Reduce the CDR by 50%. ? ? ?

Hello? Am I missing something here? Damage items are without a doubt the BEST items in the game in all manners possible, paired up with the best runes and masteries: people can afford to literally lose an entire keystone and still be able to kill outright.