User blog comment:ClariS/Why Xerath's Passive is Bad/@comment-69.141.8.150-20130318014932

Xerath's passive is a token passive. He oirignally had an escalating spell damage modifier that would increase with every spell cast and reset after the third cast. He was flatly over powered and it was kind of really difficult to keep track of both A. Manipulating his passive for maximum damage out put and B. Keeping track of his spell ranges. This lead to a GIANT gap in skill amongst Xerath players.

He was given this passive in lieu of taking his old one out. Numerous devs have stated that they agree it's a strong passive, but completely out of place on a long-ranged combo mage.

Considering how much stronger penetration options are this season, it's actually become a weaker passive as well.

Also, there's no kind way to say it but Vahldeer is a fraud. The only tanky you build on Xerath is Rylais, hourglass, Athene's, which isn't particularly uncommon on a lot of combo mages. Xerath's true defense is his incredible range and his zoning.

The real thing keeping back a change for Xerath is that generally all combo mages are floundering at the moment. Annie, Brand, Xerath, Veigar, late game leblanc, etc. Instead of buffing just one, they may have plans to put out an item that benefits them all well. DFG is supposed to accomplish that, but its effectiveness varies.