makes sense to not have them in 3.27 if they are gonna be doing a massive rebalance like dreamcore's latest vid is suggesting from something Mark had said during a Q&A
Not especially but I also don't think they were explored very deeply either. Wave of Conviction, Spectral Shield Throw, Bladefall and Heavy Strike all saw some play.
The only reason more people weren't abusing it was because its staff only. But the gem is kinda stupid. Big dmg effectiveness, big spell damage bonus, easy to get 100% double damage.