Running with your staff out looks like Gandalf :p, I love it.
I personally like the combat stance, I don't know where people get the idea that it is not very defensive. The pose is hugely defensive, you look like you're ready to cast healing/defensive spells.
The shown in the OP is a split second pose after casting Aero 3 >.>, why are people talking about that one and not the one that you hold your staff out with?
