Originally Posted by
ZeroNumerous
How, precisely, does that change the fact that having a shield get in the way of an attack that only needs to touch you is pretty silly?
DM: The wizard casts Disintegrate.
Guy With Shield: I leap in the way!
DM: Uh.. Ok.. Rolling damage..
Guy With Shield: Ah-ha! But my shield applies to touch attacks, and it misses me!