Just saying the proposed broken build isn't QUITE as broken as it used to be.
Though to admit there are far more times I could use that +1 AP and damage than I'd need the breath.
breath is frankly useless after act 1. Heck, after you get your ranged tier 2 spells even, because you will be starting to abuse highgrounds and what not.
Breath also friendly fires incredibly badly and relies too much on positioning.