+1 to what Zlatan said.

I don't know why I've seen so many tanks face pull or pull with flash, but I have seen something like what you've mentioned. I normally attribute it to GLA/MRD that haven't done their lv15 class quest and don't have the ability (I know this is the case for some because I've asked), but if they're PLD/WAR, they should most often be pulling with shield lob/tomahawk because they have to have those abilities. There are some cases where pulling with a combo'd skill, flash, or provoke is useful, but in most instances, yes shield lob should be the go-to ability for the reasons you mentioned.