Ever since the addition of additional specs to the professions, we have needed to rein in the powercreep. Most specs, HoT and PoF alike, are more powerful, with more options than core classes. In only a few cases were any kind of tradeoffs implemented. There seems to have been a schism at ArenaNet over how to handle this problem, and the game has received a number of changes in a somewhat disjointed way.Now, after all this time, tradeoffs. Restrictions. Actual changes to professions mechanics and play between specs. This is required to fix the issues of the professions.Is this late? oh yes. Finished? Nope. Perfect? Nope. But finally the thinking has rolled around to that direction. I for one want it to have ArenaNet just pile the changes on. Define themes, modify as required, without mercy or coddling. All professions, all specs treated the same way. Members of the balance/professions teams augmented with additional resources. Same rules for competitive modes.Will this be uncomfortable, force people to change playstyles, to learn their professions better, make meaningful choices? You bet.There is a lot of complaining in this thread, about how ArenaNet has "destroyed" a spec/playstyle/etc. This happens literally EVERY balance patch, big or small. Let's face the facts people- this patch reduced powercreep. Specs got weaker. Some broken interactions were finally nerfed. A number still remain. Some specs still have poorly realized themes. Some specs are too weak or too strong in some roles, crowding out others. The patch feels like part one of a bigger job.To many in these forums I say: the hysterics, threats and chest beating accomplish absolutely nothing. Balance and profession design have been all over the map in Guild Wars 2, and I am sure no one knows that better than the people at ArenaNet. I hope they have finally solved the issue of clearly very different ideas competing in the work force.While not everything here is perfect in my opinion, and as stated, feels like part one only, I believe this is a good direction to take. Finally :)