This is a bit of a tangent, but Scholar's Art of War kind of bothers me for the same reason. It makes the character punch or plant his hand on the ground creating the AOE impact. But since it's an instant cast action, it looks REALLY odd when character's are doing this while running. It makes them look like they're "skating" over the ground while kneeling with a fist or hand to the ground.

I have nothing against the animation itself, but only if it's used for an action with a cast time. In that case, it would be beautiful. But it just doesn't work with an instant cast action.