I don't think it is a waste of points. Cauze on a battle field, you're not always closer to the ennemy, even if you're not a staff sum, evolt, dagger or bats can deal some damage and take the shield's ennemy a little off. Other things, attaking the ennemy with these skills will lunch your Alde fat ass, Bregon ftw or Spazzy to him and will deal other damages... Then when the ennemy is on short range, you have already damaged him, even if it's not a lot, it's welcome...