Edit: no offense to different-thinking Guardians, but this is written for the developers and not players. If I wanted a celebratory circlejerk I'd post on reddit.
My feedback is thoughtful but subjective just like yours, because opinions be like that. Original below-
The game is so advanced in speed, lethality, excitement and more... compared to Season 1, S13 could be an anime spinoff of its vanilla self.
None of the above applies to Warlock's Rift ability. It hasn't gotten bigger, faster, more versatile, or even interesting. It's a tiny puddle of numbers that can (and often should) be replaced by Standing Behind Any Box. Because if you're standing behind cover and you take unexpected damage... you can move. Instantly.
It sure doesn't add anything to Crucible. Casting Rift is often a 1:1 suicide button in PVP, and playing against it... only a fool would take Primary v Primary against a player standing in Rift. Just step out of LoS of their tiny numbers puddle 4head.
Literally all of the above complaints do not apply to Barricade or Dodge whatsoever, in high or low end activities. Warlocks are well defined as the caster-archetype and we love that, not asking for bubble or invis. The ability is just the opposite of fun and is the ugliest, loudest remnant of Destiny's worst era... long since passed. Onward please!
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Rift in master level nightfalls is a life saver and is the best class ability for GMs. Often used in raids as a clutch, hiding behind cover does not instantly restore health, nor does it give an over shield. In raids you often don't have time to just sit there, ya got to go do your job, which makes the rift great for those moments when you need quick healing. I think you lack an understanding of the game beyond PvP