I remember playing against this form or one almost exactly like it. It is indeed a bit odd but it can collapse quite well to cover the flank. I think the most innovative part of this form is indeed the odd barrier placement. Because it is placed out of harm's way, your opponent will really have to dig in to your form and often over commit when trying to take out the cleric and trying to unfocus the barrier.

I give it a 7 as it is somewhat difficult to use and requires a bit of adapting to.

why a pyro instead of DMW?