pgl is not useless you need to try something different cuz you doing it wrong. i love pgl i have no problems soloing since launch day i still use it. you probly have all att & str to solo, you need evasion and you'll barly get hit and if you haymaker mobs they go down fast for 250tp or combo--pounce(behind), concussive blow(side), howling fist(side) and yes you can do it solo the mobs dont turn around asap.

since 1.20 i can hits as hard as a mrd & lnc with stone or flame fist depending on the mob and i get tp faster. if you want that one big hit every WS go lancer and doom spike everything.