Plot holes (spoilers included) in RotE

[maulkin]

Repelling seems like such a powerful weapon to use against the unwitted. Also in defence, as Fitz uses it against Galen to prevent his blows from causing damage. Fitz even says that it's use comes instinctively to the witted. I would have thought that it would not only be useful in almost any fight, but pretty much automatic. Yet Fitz and other Witted ones seem to rarely take advantage of it, and throughout the series I wondered why.

Repelling seems to equate to an overwhelming display of dominance on the part of the witted one. As such, I imagine that it can only be used before a fight has actually commenced. Among animals, displays of dominance are an alternative to combat, not a combat strategy.