The hardest I've been hit so far by death sentence is 5944 (unmitigated, with Shield Oath). I'm in full DL on the left side except for valor gauntlets. My group has been so unlucky with tank drops so far

For Twintania you'll definitely be scrounging for every point of vit you can until you're full i90 on the left. At which point I guess HQ Gryphonskin becomes personal choice. I think melded crafted jewelry is very useful for trivial content though, the extra dps is not bad at all.