I don't think the axe is worth it, even with its slow speed sader proc is still low and prot pal is all about consistency unless your running certain comps for are nas. For veteran i would prob use dancing steel most bgs. It's up time is superb so you are nearly always benefiting from it, it can proc off all spells, so even if you are spamming heals you can get the benefit. And of course compared to ef it effects your healing and gives you more manageable and organized burst dmg