To the OP, I think maybe the devs wanted to screw with people and give the ES an advantage. People see a light elf, and they buff Resist Water, so the ES can now catch them offguard. :P
the mass surrenders are pretty pathetic, they cost lots of stpirit ore and have a bad land rate even with SpS. They're also pretty long cast times and centered on the pet. If you AOE with a bunch of SH then it'll pay off, maybe even in pvp near a bunch of enemies but i use it less than i use wind stike (yes wind strike).