And how is that different from just using a crossbow? Sure, its touch AC vs normal AC, but the base damage is what I was looking at. Sneak Attacking with a Scorching Ray or Orb of Cold will deal 12-15d6 + 7d6 SA or whatever. You need base damage AND SA to compete in DPR with a rogue that just runs up and shanks them with a knife.

On a side note, if you SA with an Empowered Orb or whatever, you don't empower the SA dice, right? What about if you SA with an Empowered Whirling Blade? WB specifically includes weapon related features (such as Weapon Spec or enhancement bonuses). Would this include SA? Man, that would be nasty.

Sorry for any threadjacking, its hard to tell my muse to sit down and shut up at times...