Brand's 5.24 Nerf

Hi, I don't feel like this has adequately been discussed what with alll the Yasuo/Trynd QQ and such.

• Pillar of Flame (W) mana cost increased to 70/80/90/100/110 from 70/75/80/85/90

This nerf is not only hitting the wrong area entirely, but it's also very, very minor considering Brand's influence on the game currently.

Some statistics:

• Brand has the highest win rate in Mid lane (56.29%) and the** 4th highest win rate** as a support (53.36%)
• Brand is the 3rd most popular Mid laner (11% PR) and the 9th most popular support (8.61%PR) with the third highest ban rate after Tahm Kench and Soraka

Brand has incredible synergy with both Thunderlord's Decree and Deathfire Touch - he can proc both effortlessly. As a support, it's incredibly easy for him to proc Spellthief's Edge and once completed (Frost Queen's Claim/Eye of the Watchers) this item provides more mana regen than Morellonomicon, more than off-setting the impending nerf.

He is obnoxious to deal with bot lane - he harasses very easily, his stun is easy to land and he can't really be punished hard for recklessly throwing it due to its low cooldown. His level 2 all-in is one of the strongest in the game with his E being targeted and his stun lasting 2 seconds at rank 1.

When you consider how much harder some champions are being hit with nerfs (Swain, Skarner, TF, Rammus), it seems odd that Riot are so gentle when it comes to Brand, with his popularity, win rate and ease of use.

** Just want to add**: Brand has been strong for several months now, it's not like he only became powerful and popular with the preseason changes.