Lancer can tank a little better than Archer....but LNC is not a tank job. Its A good melee DD and support job. We are squishy and die easily when fighting NMs. I've cranked up VIT, use extra defensive/evasion buffs, and wear defense + VIT gear when fighting NMs just to stay alive. All of the rank 50 LNC in my LS are the first to die from NM AoE attacks. If multiple mages aren't spamming heals on great buffalo or goblin NM you are toast.

There is a 50 LNC on my server who tanks Uraeus sometimes. Not sure what abilities he uses to stay alive.