Quote Originally Posted by Aana View Post
Pld had nearly all off that available in 3.0 and a greater stranglehold on knockbacks as there was not a plethora of anti-knockback actions. They have been defensive powerhouses for ages and had more utility than every other tank at all stages of 14 history. Yet still it has both risen and fallen based on DPS. Healers and parties sure didn't seem to mind having to 'adjust' without plds in the past. If Drk/war did significantly more damage than Pld/X they would again. Utility has a non-zero benefit obviously, but it pales in comparison to DPS when defining the meta in this game. The meta will drop utility like a hot potato if they can grab more damage in its place. This has born out in history for both DPS, healers and tanks. Utility always takes a backseat based on this games setup. It is not of zero value, but it is, unarguably, much less value than DPS.
You're forgetting to mention that 3.0 WAR and DRK had better utility than 3.0 PLD thanks to Storms Path, Delirium and Reprisal. DRK and WAR had enough utility but they also did more damage. That's why DRK/WAR meta was a thing.

In fact im willing to go as far as saying Delirium, Reprisal and Storms path were the biggest reason why you took DRK and WAR. So yes, utility is a big thing.