Talk:VPBE/@comment-24951773-20161013065149/@comment-1330314-20161014175659

I think there's still some difference there, though, even if I do agree that no repetition in items would be preferrable. Currently, champions are often built around "core" items, like Rabadon's, Rylai's or Infinity Edge, and to a certain extent that's a good thing, because it gives players this item they can be sure to pick regardless of what happens, which helps the learning process and adds some level of stability across games (you don't auto-fail just because you didn't know what to pick and got the wrong item). By contrast, there isn't really meant to be this "safe" jungle path or buff, but that's what ended up happening with the Smite buffs. In both cases there's reduced diversity, but "essential" items at least have some redeeming features, whereas Smite buffs don't at this point.