The combat update is the best thing that happened to Runescape. Instead of blatantly watching your character battle people, You can now use abilities which require actual timing to get the most out of them. The best time to use is right after a regular attack.
I also love how they encourage magic and ranging more. In f2p, there is a Mage armor set that is as protective as rune.
All in all runescape's combat update made it more like a mmorph (WoW,LoL etc.)
|
What happened is your level and combat ability is increased with skills, since they can buff our damage whenever you need it, as well as members having regeneration abilities. So now a little but more skill is implemented into the spectrum.
|
There is a ability available for f2p players with 45 def called rejuvenation which virtually destroyed the need for inventories full of food.