On Mai trin low stacks, if positioned correctly, probably yes. It can be worth more. I agree here.

On Shaman though, I don't think the uptime is worth it, but I didn't actually do the maths on it, so I guess we just kind of disagree. If I get to it, I will actually do the calculation^{^} Kind of interested now.

If the team struggles though, a guardian probably is better xD As you said though, some ppl just love their profession or just don't have any other to their disposal.

For the dredge fight. In a premade team melee certainly is useful and a thing, as well as Frost Spirit. Spiking that thing in 2 lava waves down can be really easy if done correctly and done like that, your group never leaves the 1k radius if placed correctly, nor will the spirit die.

On PuG runs however, where you run around a looot, I do not think the uptime while in radius is worth it. Mind that by the time you are in radius again, it will just about go on cooldown because of the duration. However, you could also go for the older meta build 54050 (or was it 45050?) and and take moving spirits. Then again Frost Spirit is very well worth it. That may even be the better option than the small changed 65030 option I mentioned. Then I would also drop QZ obv if needed.

On the shaman I did take GS over A/A for a loooong time, since the small axe change and general ranger update however, I found myself prefering A/A for that encounter. (Except if the group wants to melee the guy. Then I just find myself taking S/A obv). Keeping a safe distance to ranged attacks while swiping grubs, as well as being able to burn down quite a few stacks on the shaman is really helpful. Depending on the situation, the burn is also the better option than the immobilize (which would burn you anyway). Being able to freely deal damage while immobilized can also be very helpful. While Axe Main Hand by no means is a good weapon, I find it to be an interesting niche use here keeping you more easily alive and giving you a few interesting options. This may be a personal preference, but I would tell you to try it for yourself. I found myself better off with A/A in that encounter than on GS, if I didn't have a good playing guardian in my party.

It is true, a few of these situational builds would be better off not existing, but sadly enough sometimes teams just are bad and you need to reevaluate and see how you can save the group xD