I think you're experiencing that the value of melee reach with 1 Melee/Speed is kinda "meh" until you level it up to 6 where it gains Affliction and 2 Melee/3 Speed. At that point, it's great for stripping heals from the opponent's tank.

Up until that point, however, I'd agree that it's simply an "okay" card. Thanks for takin' the time to put all of this together!

!1UP