User blog comment:Typhron/Something Something Quinn./@comment-12904660-20140628061538/@comment-24792363-20140630171845

I think you are slightly downplaying the strength of a shield at full health. sure, you're not going to be able to keep that up all the time, but when engaging in lane after you've backed, Quinn's enormous burst can give her a considerable defensive boost on top of the lifesteal that will kick in once her shield is eaten through, because without the bloodthirster lifesteal is pointless unless you're doing damage while your health is less than full. if your support is going a good job and keeping you fairly protected, the shield could go lengths to keep you near full health and therefore more able to clean up a 2v1 even if your support goes down. regardless of your build, the more damage you're able to put out, the larger the shield on you before a proper engage, the better able you are to trade with a strong poke champ, etc etc

also, malphite is an anti-adc tank. not sure why this would be a great counter, especially considering more armor pen or the health % of the BRK would be much more effective against mal OR brand, especially when at range and not in valor form. if your team relies on single target damage, you should be focusing specific targets, not trying to fit a role not suited to your champ. depending on positioning, there may be fewer opportunities for you to even engage in a melee confrontation. if you pop valor and get snared or hard cc'd, you will get no play on your hydra, especially when considering the adc is the priority target of the enemy team, and being able to zone with range is your main advantage