Scales are no longer an 100% of everything you shot at me gets sent back harder. It's good where it is. Hell as Stamina Nightblade even I feel that should be up to 8 attacks in 4 seconds just an idea.
The best way to play a DK is as you described. Yet I see DK archers, 2h'ers and dual wielders every day. I see a lot of caster DKs with Destro Staff and crushing shock for range. A lot of people play
EDIT: I think i do more damage with reflective scales than with my own abilities. Really. People will crushing shock or snipe their way to their own demise. Or I will insta-die b/c of a lag spike and