Seems I am fortunate that I did not get this mask. And I agree with both those who say yea and nay to retroactive. I agree most with those saying it was the wrong way to fix it. It should have kept some usefullness, while restricting the imbalance issues.
I wonder what would be the problem of keeping the clikky effect unlimited (only usefull thing about it) yet modifying it to work like the spell and have a recast regen time? possibly this is not possible with clikable items in the coding /shrug it should be. That would be the fix here... keep the freed up slot if wearing the mask, still give unlimited FD, limit its speed of cast if that is the only problem.
Playing a monk, we have an aa ability that reduces our FD recharge timer. Max cuts it in half, i believe. That is still a bit of time getting beat on. I only mention that as point of reference as to what may have been prob with this. From what I see, it gave ability to quick clik till success on FD. Guessing every 1.5 secs. That is pretty snazzy.
But leaving it a FD casting class only item AND dropping it from unlimited to the (disgustingly) laughable 5 charges.... not a good solution.
If dropping it to 5 charges, make it a bit harder to get and open it up to more classes, not all, but more. And when used up... those who found use for it can work their butts off to request it.
Totally late for discussion but agree... bad move on the result of this item.