How do you test patch notes to gauge indirect buffs and nerfs?

[Kenneth37]

I play a competitive online game that just released a major balance patch, and while the patch notes list general changes to several characters, the practical impact on the meta isn't clear yet. My main was slightly nerfed, but I can't tell if it's a minor adjustment or something that fundamentally changes their playstyle. For others who analyze patches deeply, how do you effectively test and interpret these notes beyond just reading them, especially to understand indirect buffs or nerfs that aren't explicitly stated?