I've always found the saving throw system to be a very nice counter-balance to the hit point system. If direct damage always seemed too easy to mitigate (due to high character HP and low monster damage, plus easier Cure Wound use)... having those PCs also with bad saving throws would allow for more potential deadliness at hand. I don't find that to be an issue, so much as a boon myself.
If I'm not able to easily challenge the Totem of the Bear Barbarian through hit point attrition, I'm glad to know I can occasionally throw some saving throw effects at him that he'll have a harder time managing. And what's nice is that because these sorts of effects are not ubiquitous and only appear in certain scenarios on certain creatures, I am able to pick and choose when to dish them out.
If I'm not able to easily challenge the Totem of the Bear Barbarian through hit point attrition, I'm glad to know I can occasionally throw some saving throw effects at him that he'll have a harder time managing. And what's nice is that because these sorts of effects are not ubiquitous and only appear in certain scenarios on certain creatures, I am able to pick and choose when to dish them out.