Agree on many points.
I think for shield balancing at the end of the act I had a rare shield with just as much armor as a good breastplate so that's good but I believe shields should have both Magic and Physical defense and bring back the %chance to block or some kind of damage reduction mechanic. Additionally they could add skills/skillbooks that only work with shields. Turtle, shield bash, hunker down etc..
Wands are very potent especially given elemental focus and magic damage. Staves are near useless in comparison their damage is abysmal/melee only and the mage bolt is weak as hell. If it were me wands would be the mage equivalent auto attacker and staves would grant an actual spell not mage bolt (or memory slot) both would have a niche and be useful.
Some talents can also be boosted with making their synergy better. If food wasn't so abysmal five star diner would be decent small %heal and %ele resistance is paltry. Walk it off does not need that beneficial effect reduction even without a downside its a mediocre talent the only caveat I would add is a minimum 1 round duration which may already be in game.
