It was and would really be too good to be able to use skills without points in a school other than from items (which can be used by any race). Because points in schools have a big meaning, so the elf would be much stronger than others from the combat abilities alone.
And you have to take into account that they did not make Flesh Sacrifice let you lose an ap the next turn which is nice and kept this racial strong. I cannot use it on my main (male elf) as I do not want to lose my shield but on non-shield chars like my Sebille ranger it's great.
I don't understand what you referring to with the shield?
I've only ever used it on my 2h elf knight.
