Indeed. Small area + MRD that isn't paying attention = terrible.

Its almost as bad as nuke-happy mages that just turn /aoe on and go mess others' behest. In these cases i often prefer to use maim or keep stepping back before a skull sunder/brutal swing. Or, when i'm in good mood, just keep running around the mob...it not only prevent steadfast to activate but also hits them from the side, supposedly giving a lower evade rate from monster.