[Autumn]

I agree that their damage is probably too high when you actually elemental impact them to a decent element, I just don't really know how to go about addressing that in a way that doesn't screw over those just using them as utility for their bonus effects with no badge at the cost of damage. My example of making the elemental scaling be fixed to their default element isn't exactly a stellar solution. I almost think it would be better if they were a more black knight suitable element by default and had lower scaling, which would also help to reign black knight in a little by making their damage type options a bit more narrow. I'm not sure how likely a change like that is though, considering their current elements are kinda tied to them thematically.

The option I provided in the OP doesn't reduce damage by a lot, it bumps up SWA ratio in exchange for the elemental scaling, cutting down on the scaling of more or less defensive elemental options such as Earth, Ice or Fire, but rewarding those who still have good SWA ratios, this skill is a monster when combined with strong shield options.

That is the reasoning behind my line of thought, anyways.