To be honest, patches help the game more then any sort of harm, that some people may say it does.
After all, it is "usually", a person's fault if the do not wish to learn a match-up and ask for nerfs instead.
Even without patches, they would still not try to learn the match-up and just ask tourneys to ban Cloud (or any character) they do not wish to deal with. ( see Bayonetta )
You are correct in saying they would target the next character, as that is what happens in a fighting game or any competitive game.
So, for me, I enjoy patches.
I adds more to the game and gets more brain juices flowing and discussion.
There is nothing wrong with Cloud as far as I can see.
The only things that I think that would be fair to nerf on Cloud, would be Limit Cross Slash and/or the speed boost he gets by having full Limit.
Other then that he is great and a worthy high tier. Even with these nerfs he would still be great and fun to play.
I know I enjoy him as a secondary or pocket. (Trying to get better with him, as I play Mario the most)
Sorry you guys get unfairly dumped on about Cloud.
I hope it goes well for you all, as you play as him.
I did this picture for you guys here, so it could maybe give you a chuckle or two.
Have fun with it.