Riot Wants Ryze to have Perma-Root - just later in the game

After watching the patch rundown, I get the feeling that even Zirene was disgusted by Ryze's "nerfs" in the fact that Ryze still gets to perma-root enemies, just a little bit later in the game.

Seriously? Do they honestly think being able to perma-root anyone at any point in the game is okay for balance? I don't care if it's level 3 or level 13, if I'm perma-rooted by anyone with little to no counterplay (even Merc Treads aren't enough), I'm not going to enjoy the game. They need to make his root a skillshot in order for this to be viable. Otherwise, welcome to old-Kassadin perma-ban status, Ryze.