Technically, it IS the best shield in the game, giving the best defensive bonuses, hence the BEST shield. There are other things you stated like mage's book that are better for mages, etc., but the DFS is the best shield. As for the price going down, it's either merchants or there is an influx of visages from dragon slayers. Why do you assume that shields are only used for defence? If your training, Rune defender is better. People are finally figuring out that DFS = only useful at Sara/Arma. Everywhere else, such as training is... worse. Sad but true. yes it all depends on what your doing, but i think he was talking in defence bonuses, and for defence bonuses the DFS is the best shield in the game.