Weaken was busted and the damage output on the clan boss was otherworldy once yhave weaken on . i'm not sure but I thik it affected poisons as well ... it's been so long.
How were the starter's buffed? Also, in the starting champs guides and tutorials, Athel a1 seemed to place weaken on first hit.
Back then I think Weaken was 50%, not 25%. She also placed big version buffs on herself.
The other starters buffs were decreased cooldowns for Elhain and Galek and big Poison on A3 for Kael as I am aware.
I think Jizoh is better overall, but Shaman has a bigger impact in Faction Crypt, being one of two with revive.
I also think most people choose Galek as starter. I personally chose Kael.
The Old Athel was definitely better. Kael is only ranked above the other starters because of Poison which is more impactful in Clan Boss (and later, dungeons) which allow the player to earn more shards, gear, books, and other rewards which improve progress.