Where do Cleanse and Barrier fit in?

It's a rare occasion when a player brings Cleanse or Barrier to the fight. Which, almost makes no sense. I've grabbed Cleanse on Taric Support against CC-heavy teams. It saves lives! Have you ever been cc-slammed by the enemy? When you get caught, and the entire enemy team lands their CC to try and hold you down, Cleanse has got your back. Barrier is great for the same reason. Depending on your resistance, you can escape those heavy damage onslaughts as well. So, why aren't we seeing them be used more?

I really believe Meta is the reason. And we all know what I mean about Meta Summoner Spells. I will list 5 sets of spell combinations, and I bet you know the role before I tell you.

So- you probably guessed right. ADC Mid Jungle Top Support

It is said that Flash is mandatory for any role. Flash is substituted for Ghost given certain champions- and I personally use Ghost over Flash with Aurelion Sol (minion crowding can get in the way of a magnificent stun- and the movement helps chase the skill.. Sol players will understand)

I digress- So with Flash as the 'ubi-meta' (ubiquitous), summoners are left with one other choice- which also follows 'meta'. Meaning, we don't see a lot of opportunity for Barrier, or Cleanse. But- other than meta..why? I mean, let's say 'meta' wasn't the underlying answer. 'Meta' would still be the dominate factor. If a Support tries grabbing something other than Exhaust, the team mates will suggest Exhaust.

This whole 'Meta' for summoner spells makes other spells seem useless- when they aren't. Cleanse has saved my ass many times against high CC opponents. And in those circumstances, I don't see how Exhaust would have been a better choice. Note- I play tank support, so I should be playing to make myself the most accessible target. Exhaust is good if I fail in that endeavor. I'd rather assume success, and take Cleanse for stronger tanking. Even Barrier could be a good alternative.

So- I just hope people can get over spell-meta. If Riot intended for it, there wouldn't be options. Otherwise, I think Riot should do something to add to the effects of Cleanse and Barrier to eliminate this superstition. I mean- you could make them work in an AOE. Allow Cleanse and Barrier to affect nearby allies, and we might see a shift in spell choice. Something needs to be done. I'm tired of being harassed for picking a spell that's available for me to use, even when I explain how it works into my game play. The spells are there! Can we use them?