EPT[edit #2]: Due to further confusion, the most important points will be highlighted in bold! Scroll down to speed read.
http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=175466
Above is the link to the original post by NearPerfection, a self-proclaimed Top 200 (unaware of which server) Protoss, which is called "Is it too late to switch races?".
While I don't agree with many points, the OP is very clear in describing a style of play that benefits from:
1) Micro, by way of making comparisons between the stutter-step of Marines in SC2 and Archers in WC3.
2) Harassment, in detailing his frustrations with his experiences as Protoss.
Terrans have indeed exhibited play utilizing these two factors to defeat opponents. To list one, MMM drop play against an aggressively expanding opponent can often catch less-mobile armies out of position and attack similar vulnerabilities. Should NearPerfection's opponent allow himself these vulnerabilities, many of NearPerfection's abilities will come to to fore.
One issue that will come up is that not all of his opponents will be using a strategy that allows for this type of play. Of course, NearPerfection describes his issues with this, and the fact that he does not feel that the army compositions utilized as Protoss in those cases does not appeal to either Micro or Harassment. However, he also felt strongly against the composition utilized in the TvT matchup when playing Terran. Some games do not allow for micro-focused/harass play to be the most effective stratagem.
The reason that that much of this was described in sweeping strokes was to remove concepts of race balance and community input. What we are looking for here is the look of the game that NearPerfection prefers with regards to changing races: Micro and Harassment. Is switching to Terran or Zerg required to appeal to those two facets of play?
What does high-micro harass-heavy Protoss look like? In one case, perhaps Void Rays with Flux Vanes (ignoring the PTR) may fit the bill. Instances of superior Void Ray control have been really notable at major tournaments; charging up on targetable doodads and maintaining the charge across distances and on enemies lights up the battlefield.
As always, this will not be optimal unit choice and strategy in every circumstance, but can certainly fulfill the stutter-step micro and harass being searched for by NearPerfection in the case of Protoss.
Here is a series of Protoss major unit and tech transitions with ONLY Harass, and to a lesser extent, Micro in mind. This is by no means, set in stone. Stalkers---> Blink ---> Robobay----> Warp Prism---> Warp Prism Harass----> High Templar Archives/Dark Shrine----> Warped Unit Harass----> Stargate----> Void Ray----> Fleet Beacon----> Flux Vanes.
Some Protoss play does not highlight a player's Micro or ability to abuse positioning vulnerabilities, but that is also true of every other Race. Is the Protoss really race as a whole unable to take advantage of those circumstances?
If you have replays or stories showcasing Protoss Micro and Harass, please reply below or send them to: enemieshugsc2@gmail.com .
