More Horizontal Progression please

[Nektulos-Tuor]

Option 3 is clearly the superior choice for a DPS in every situation, since it's the only one that allows you to increase your damage dealt (which is the function of DPS). By your definition, this is vertical progression.

Yes, but Option 2 offers more healing. Which may save you in certain fights more. You have to give up that damage for more healing, or give up healing for more damage. Its your choice, but both are viable in every fight.

Or, offer 4.

12% chance on hit to deal 1200 damage.

vs

12% chance on hit to deal 1600 damage, but takes 650 life every proc.

Now you have no healing, for more damage then the healing and damage one.

Now you have another one that does even MORE damage. At the cost of life.