TwoHeadsBarking
First Post
There are no bard melee implement powers. As I mentioned earlier, there are very few such for the swordmage. Now, for the weapon powers for both classes: They can already take Arcane Implement Proficiency (Staffs) and pick up the Battle Staff for their melee crit needs. Actually, they don't have to take that feat if they are just using weapon attacks as it is a simple weapon and they are already proficient in it; it only matters for implement attacks if they want to use the implement bonus (no crits there).
Edits: In either case, swordmages are loosing their warding bonus, of course.
Using a staff as a weapon takes both hands. A swordmage could carry this in one hand and a Rhythm dagger in the other. Still gets +1 AC from Warding (you don't need the blade to be in your main hand) and the shield bonus of +1 to AC and Reflex. A bard could use this and still get a light shield. And while they could get a similar benefit from Hafted Defense, this mace leaves DIS as a possibility, as well as all the Warding buffs for the swordmage.
There are already plenty of ways to get around the Artificer's implement/weapon woes. Crossbow Caster, Feral Armor, staffs, thrown blades with Arcane Implement Proficiency, I'm sure I'm missing some, but these are all available right out of the gate. A Self-Forged with Crossbow Caster seems to be pretty much set with regards to implements and weapons. If you really want the 19-20 crit, a Jagged thrown blade should fit the bill. This mace doesn't seem to do much that isn't already done, and I'd rather not allow it. I really am more concerned about setting a precedent than I am about this particular item.