As a HOTS player myself, yeah this sounds like you’re punishing flexibility still. I get the frustration of lack of communication, especially coming from a game that is not at all iron clad in roles and positions.

I think what you’re seeing as a downgrade is that the lighting is less harsh due to Sub-Surface Scattering in her skin, clothes and hair. This is causing a “glow” effect due to more realistic light bounce. Granted it’s not subtle, but still a touch more realism and is actually more resource-intensive.