Even without 100-300k in gear and spells (i.e. no epic, malo, torpor, fungi, JBB) shamans are hands down one of the strongest classes in the game.
Their base spell set (easy to acquire stuff) alone put them in a league of their own. Slow is just sickeningly powerful. Canni mechanic gives them so much usable mana.
Druids got better with Velious but they still suffer from non-specialist syndrome. Healing power can't compete with cleric cheal or shaman (not even counting torpor) single target heal + the effect of slow on damage intake. They don't complement a group with a cleric already in it as well as a shaman. For healing, Druid + shaman works but 2 shamans or shaman/cleric would do better for raw healing. Anywhere Druids can charm they will do fantastic dps. Their buffs are very nice. Their nukes are alright. Ports and evacs are clutch.
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