User blog comment:StrategicMagic/Xerath and AD Mids/@comment-70.109.179.246-20130102051345

The biggest problem with this is that Xerath has no escape -- in fact his main mechanic makes him extremely vulnerable to gap-closers (which are a staple for AD casters and assassins)

You would have to have very quick fingers to keep one of them from jumping you, and I suspect with a similar skill-level between the two, the AD would win simply because Xerath can't get away from their damage.

Also, the way percent and flat penetration is now calculated mow means that even with ~100 armor you'll hardly be blocking any damage.