Crafted dps accessories

[Tano]

What's better? 16 vit or 10vit+9str?

[Gamemako]

What's better? 16 vit or 10vit+9str?

It's 15 VIT, not 16, and you're comparing VIT to to 10 vit + 9 str + 9 dex + at least one extra stat. Again, crafted DPS accessories give you the highest possible mitigation plus superior stats otherwise (easier to meet acc cap, and skill speed adds to WAR mitigation over time). The point is that you are not losing defensive ability over time, so you are sacrificing some amount of HP (about 450 while in Defiance) for higher damage output. If you can afford it, then you not only can do it, you should do it. The obvious wrench in the gears (ha-ha) is that you need that you're more likely to need the HP to get it right the first time. Later, you can do it in your sleep and are on crack if you're still considering those ilvl90 accessories gathering dust in your inventory. Can't win for losing.

[bokchoykn]

I agree with Gamemako. It's definitely worthwhile to have a set for both: VIT and STR.

Conventional tanking wisdom tells us that survivability should always comes before damage. However, it should completely depend on the fight. As long as your HP is above a certain threshold (this # changes depending on the encounter and your role) to safely survive the mechanics, having more HP no longer really helps you (aside from Lustrate). Once you're above that Threshold and having that extra 450 HP no longer adds value, you might as well take the 45 STR and the Det/Acc/Crit. Tank DPS is still very significant, especially a Warrior's. Quickly killing adds and shortening the fight also relieves stress on the healers.

So, to answer Tano's question: It depends. The relative value of VIT to STR is completely dependent on what you're fighting. There are fights where I would never want to compromise my HP and there are fights where I wish I could wear Monk body pieces.