for me a nerf could be -25 % on dmg .. this is a anihilation .. witch make me think... if the warlock was that strong (-80% dmg nd still viable ?) release a character who dominates the game could be a marketing strategy for selling the extension ? and now nerf it like hell..
90% of the players was playing the class.
I don't understand why people think ES even MUST be good. Most skilltrees in D2 don't have a "s-tier" viable build. It's not like it's weird for one skill tree to not be able to compete with other top builds.
ALso, i'm fairly sure that if we include all builds/versions warlock will be "S" along with Paladins and Sorcs still, and probably better, with whatever combination of Abyss/bloodboil/fire specs. I wouldn't mind eldritch being bad for a ladders time at least. It's still better than many other skilltrees.