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@snoops
You shouldn't need to be checking over your shoulder before you shoot.
You should be able to crack a shot off precisely because you know defenders are coming in soon.
Your proposition is that if I know a defender is about to get close to me on my non-mallet side then I should not shoot in case the defender lunges forwards to block my shot and into the swing of my mallet? That should never have to be a consideration for an attacker, the game will suffer for it.
I understand the problem but I think it has arised not as a result of people shooting differently. People have always had wild shots, and if anything, more-so when we all started. Facial injuries are becoming more common as a result of braver defending. We should penalise defenders not attackers, as that is the aspect of the game which has changed. (I am playing devils advocate, I don't think anyone should be penalised).
I believe what is happening is that players with face cages are becoming braver in their challenges, as a result more players (with or without cages) defend closer and players without protection get injured. So ban brave defending or just get on with it.
This is all IMO of course. More opinions welcome...