[Norfleet]

Originally posted by PvK:
Are non-recuperating combating pretenders like wyrm or cyclops more useless in bigger maps, as they have to fight more in a longer game, hence getting more afflictions

As you yourself mentioned, the advantage granted by, and utility of, an SC declines late game: Non-recuperating, "budget" combat pretenders like a Wyrm or Cyclops, which generally provides a secondary function in addition to his role as an SC, such as primarily scales or a blessing, and what gains you were able to reap with him early game.

Players who think non-recuperating combat pretenders are ineffective, want to have their cake and eat it too, without having to take any risks or learn how to fight effectively or manage risks.

Focusing on affliction risk doesn't make sense to me, although on a simple level, if you want to kamikaze your pretender recklessly as much as possible, then yes this will be an effect.

Even if you fight fairly conservatively, afflictions happen. Of course, afflictions can be cured with modest effort, and if you're fielding a high-affliction risk SC, you should be planning either medical leave or a better HMO plan. This is hardly an arduous chore that renders your SC useless.