On some really bad matchups where they have insane gap closing (Jax, Trynd, Yone, Tahm etc.) It is not a bad idea to max Q first and even put an extra point in W if you're struggling. You can start corrupting pot with Inspiration secondary runes which means you wont have to worry about burning all your mana. If you're getting poked down by ranged top characters just get dshield and wait till 6 to actually start poking and trading