Impossible to tell. I wouldn't mind a speed change, but can they even do that with the number of Estaves in existence (1-4 have to be included)? Can that really be done and applied to all instances by changing a single property of the Estaff object? Damage penalty would have to penalise neutral and dark magic for it to have a real effect on Battlemages. Not allowing Battlemages to equip a STAFF would be silly IMO. Not to mention there are most likely a few Battlemages out there who have spent real money on the boost they get off the staves' fast speed, how are they any different to those who spent real money on the elemental damage boost the weapons once provided?
Still hedging my bets on them giving a nerfed bonus back and nothing else.
Still hedging my bets on them giving a nerfed bonus back and nothing else.