How important is defense for a PLD...?
Not very important. Did a full clear of AK in nothing by my whitey tighties, and accessories. Also ran with the cnj DL shield. Ran with average heals and dps. I had 5 defense total with protect at one point.
Not sure if that shows how poorly defense scales or how OP PLD cool downs are. Either way I lost a little love for the class last night but I think that has to do with my Roegadyn needing to diet a bit. Fatty.
But seriously, tanking as a PLD pre-coil... Clothing is optional.