And that is the issue. This game is about Class Customization. Where is the customization with GLA? Putting on different taunts? GLA has 1 role and 1 role only, while MRD and PGL have two roles, DD and Tank.

Here are the HP values from a R50 MRD in my Linkshell with 174 vit Base: 2383 (2595) Second number is obviously with gear. My base HP with 174 Vit at R49 is 2119. At R50 I'll probably get close to 2200 HP base. Even in full Plate, my HP will likely still be only close to the Base HP of a R50 MRD with capped Vit.

The only area a GLA is better than a MRD is in Defense. As far as I know Shield stats only come into effect if you are guarding, as when you equip a Shield your stats don't change. This means if you keep your shield up constantly, you will take less damage than a MRD.

Where MRD beats out the GLA is the fact that they can basically DD and Tank at the same time. MRD has a lot of debuffs, and Maim can let a MRD do some extra damage while tanking from the front. I've seen a setup for a MRD that had them casting Debuffs on the enemy via THM spells, as well as WS debuffs, and self-buffs. That MRD was easily the most damaging person in the party (except for maybe the Archers) and he was also Tanking. GLA are limited to Tanking only. We could try to hybrid tank it, but it likely wouldn't go well since our damage is pathetic.

I think we should agree to disagree. It is likely a matter of preference, individual setup and what you are fighting. GLA will be better in some situations, MRD will be better in others, and PGL will be better in the rest. A lot of the time it just seems like the role of the GLA is easily replaced by another class.

Quote Originally Posted by Rentahamster View Post
MRDs and PGLs can be good tanks too, yes, but not as good as a dedicated tanking GLD.

If you've got a glut of mages and can handle spamming cure over and over again, then sure, use a MRD tank, but otherwise it's just easier to let the GLD do it.
GOLDSMITH TANK FTW!