I, too, was skeptical about
Scorch, Atticus. Though it's been unlocked for weeks (my Doll is LVL19), I only just put a skill point on it today -- in part because I was tired of seeing that blank icon space on my screen.
Well, now I am glad I did -- and feel that the little description of the skill in the game doesn't do it justice. Yes, the
initial damage is typically in the 30s, but the burn damage over time takes away an additional 75 points or so. Even with only one skill point,
Scorch delivers over 100 in damage.
Yes, it uses more Voodoo and takes longer to recharge than Poke or Swarm, but it's certainly worth a point or two, imo.