In other words, compensate for problems with the rules by completely ignoring the rules.
Not my favourite approach.
If you'd like to interpret it that way, I suppose; though its creating a new mechanic, not ignoring existing ones. Its got precident on these forums -- for example, there are some who consider ACAEBG a problem, and deal with it by creating custom powers to "ignore" those rules.
I'd rather hack the Thaumaturgy system to make huge rituals non-trivial.
Ok, I'm with you on this. But I'm not going to suggest ways to deal with nukes assuming that everyone has bought into a custom Thaumaturgy ruleset -- especially since I don't recall there being even a tentative consensus reached during the discussions had on that topic so far.
Because there's nothing wrong with a nuclear bunker Ward. It's cool, it makes sense, it's the sort of thing you'd expect from the Merlin.
Sure thing. That sounds like GM plot device, to me, which fits under the concept I presented. Though my
personal view is that even the Merlin is incapable of such a thing on the spur of the moment. If, on the other hand, he had spent the decades since the close of WWII pouring power into a painstakingly crafted, rune-inscribed crystal, designed to create a one-shot shield to protect against a nuclear fireball...
The problem is not that an anti-nuke Ward works, it's that Harry Dresden could set one up without too much trouble.
Or even a minor practicioner with a variation of Ritual that includes wards, yes.
But even beyond that, nukes are the very pinnacle of humananity's potential for destruction. If you can withstand a nuke, then there's basically nothing humanity can do you. As such, I think the setting works better if they are something to be feared by nearly everyone, supernatural or not. Wizards are powerful, but should not be able to directly compete with the destructive potential of a nuke by way of raw force. Even the Queens should fear them --
maybe they might survive a direct, but at what cost? At least, that's my opinion.
PS: Just found this. I think it's relevant.
Relevant, yes. Correct ... well, opinions vary, obviously.