Regarding mobility creep QQ and GnB balance threads

Edit : To be clear, I'm not asking to have flash removed. Today, it's not a viable option any more. But back in 2011, when they had this poll (can't remember exactly when it was) - it was a viable option, had been extensively tested by Riot and could have greatly(and positively) affected the direction of game balance and champion releases.

We always QQ about mobility creep in this game. But do you know why it started? The real root of the problem lies withing the existence of flash as a summoner spell. This is THE MOST toxic thing in the game.

4 years(I think) ago, when the game was much smaller, Riot actually proposed to remove flash from the game and let US, the community decide. A poll was put up, the answer was overwhelmingly NO, WE WANT FLASH.

Riot obviously understood the implications (longterm) of keeping such a toxic spell in the game. We did not. All we cared about was our next game, and if we didn't have flash, we would die.

As a result, the MOST TOXIC spell EVER was kept in the game and dictated the increase of mobility creep for years to come. By the way, I was one of the 12% or something(don't really remember the number, couldn't have been more than 15% though) that voted to remove flash. Riot had extensively tested no-flash games, and claimed that the games were much more fun and fights were much more dynamic.

We always QQ about Riot not doing a good job regards balance. We always QQ about them not listening to our opinions. But this experiment involving the community which effectively ruined the direction of the game was a very clear indication that the community should not be relied upon for any kind of balance opinion. I am sure Riot takes into account the opinions of high-level players who both understand the mechanics of this game as well as the principles of game design, and even one of these players is worth more than an infinite number of low-elo players like myself. The truth is they have the best knowledge, best resources and best understanding to create a game that is truly enjoyable.

It's also worth noting that Riot has to balance across various metas. It's not just one server they have to take care of. Different metas have different powerpicks across different divisions. They have to take into account all of that.