It's great in PVP though, pop it, sprint, use purify, and laugh to fight another day!

Except that it can't be one ilm punched off >___>

Honestly though now that healers are stronger it hasn't been nearly as much of an issue. That being said, with Holmgang you do get the benefit of WAR's toolkit; Thrill, Second Wind, Inner Beast, Berserk, and now Equalibrium. It's got it's drawbacks, but you can help out. I can't remember if Soul Eater counts towards the heals for Living Dead.