why not just outright nerf fizz rather then nerf linch bane?

GodBroJ,

To respond to your question, they would nerf Lich Bane because it is at the current moment out of balance with the meta, not just with fizz. Put it on a Twisted Fate, and you got one nasty mid laner. And as for Shyvana, that is your personal preference, and you are completely entitled to it, but she would not be removed for it.

I've seen lichbane on all of these with good results. Notice a couple aren't typical AP characters either. Supports grabbing them for the poke, ad champs with 1-2 ap ratios going AP because they can use lichbane to cover the loss in dps, burst champs that double their burst dmg with 1 item. The nerf isnt about Fizz particularly. Its about the effect it has across the board.