Since I started playing MvC3, I’ve played Phoenix as primarily a rushdown character. Granted, I still fell into the habit of chucking salty balls, but I grew out of it and made use of her other moves instead. After the “nerfs” to the lovely Jean Grey, zoning will become less effective with her, even with flight; it takes longer for flight to execute. In my opinion, we who plan on sticking with Phoenix can discuss good close range strategies in case shielding yourself with traps is ineffective (which is almost the case).