It seems clear to me that WotC has a very well thought out plan for managing one of its most important brands.
1 - Lay off all the experienced, talented people who know the game intimately.
2- ...
3- Profits.
These news do not bear well for WotC or D&D especially, whatever denial state some...
Well, I have a lvl 6 hellock with a +1 Vicious Rod and a +1 Rod of Corruption and me likes 'em both! The RoC is great because to use it you just need to hold it... since I'm a ranged guy, no problem with having the VR in my main hand and the RoC on the other one. And since RoC is best used early...