Burning Hands Somatic Component

[Li Shenron]

The Burning Hands 1st level Arcane spell has a somatic component. In the spell description there is a line about the need to put both your hands in a specific position: does it mean it requires the caster to have BOTH HANDS FREE? Since the spell doesn't seem more powerful than other 1st level damaging spells (considering damage, damage increase per level, range, saving throws and so on), why this serious penalty?
I can't remember other spells that have such a requirement, or anyway such a detail description of the gestures, and I'd like to know if anyone is caring for this matter, of if everyone just play it as any other spell with somatic component, i.e. needing one hand free.

 

[Henry]

It's a holdover from the 1st edition spell description, and is generally left there for flavor. For some reason, the robed mage who sticks both thumbs together to produce a sheet of flame is very evocative for most players of 1st and 2nd edition.

I do admit it would be a hindrance to most spellcasters who were part-caster / part-warrior. I think all here on the boards would agree when I say there shouldn't be any imbalances with house-ruling this to be merely ONE hand stuck out, fully outstretched, to produce the sheet of flame.