It seems to be upgrading from ilvl180 chestpiece directly to Esoteric Chestpiece would yield more benefits to a DRK main tank as compared to upgrading from a Hive weapon to an Esoteric greatsword.

True, you lose 2 weapon damage but you get more armor and approximately 10+ more of STR and VIT.

Bonus points for being able to get it a week earlier.

Bonus bonus points for the Esoteric gear looking nicer than the Gordian ilvl190 gear.

If you already don't have a hive claymore though the choice does get harder.