Quote Originally Posted by Kitfox View Post
DV does nothing for PLD's own mitigation. It's raid utility, like Path, or Reprisal although generally worse.

Cover does nothing for mitigation besides redirect. It's at best a hate control tool, not mitigation.
In a fight where the PLD isn't expecting to tank swap you can buff up, cover the tank, and mitigate damage that he wouldn't normally be mitigating. Or if he's about to die and your healers are struggling/bad you can cover and buy extra time with your shiny body. PLD tends to excel in situations where poop is in the fan or your group just isnt' very coherent or practiced.