I've played rachel since CT, and it's all i know how do to.
also i set off my rods a lot just to scare the people into approaching. and sword iris is like the only decent projectile rachel has.
And have you seen the hitbox on her 6a? it's laughably dumb and it's not even an anti-air. it's a "COME HIT ME!" move and everything with more range than a toothpick beats it/clanks with it. much like top/collar.
Not sure if it's safe on shield but i doubt it.
Rachel makes me cry.
1. Well the game will just turn into "Okay, well he's gonna set off his rods. /zap okay now I can approach." I'm much more hesitant if I know the person is going to leave them there until a later, unknown time.
2. And yet my Litchi 5B has been beaten by it many times. If it clashes or gets blocked you're FAR more safe than if someone gets in on you for free. And with your style of playing Rachel, that's the last thing you want.
Also, have YOU seen her hitbox? Cause I'm looking at it right now and her top half is waaay aerial safe, like an anti-air should be, until post-punch. Be bold and try it more. Especially since all the other Rachel'sseem to be pretty successful in getting a free 1.8-2k damage out of it.
3. Here's a tissue