Tank role

[Tex_Mex]

Back in 2.x, things were pretty easy : MT role was mostly dedicated to PLD as it was only having 1 aggro combo and DPSing like a wet noodle compated to WAR. So WAR was mostly used as an exclusive OT, except when tank swapping was needed due to some mechanics.

In 4.X, all tanks now have very strong DPS capabilities (WAR is still the highest DPS, but the difference is somewhat minimal now). This makes every tank very capable of the MT or OT role.

In 3.x, it was pretty the same except the introduction of DRK and its higher magic defensive potential was challenging the physical blocking PLD for the MT role. War was still considered as an OT afak.

One big change in 4.X is that Block now reduces magic damage as well, so both DRK and PLD are very strong against magic damage now.

I heard WAR must pull... Then what ? Let the WAR tank the boss until a swap is needed ? if needed... Is it still true with 4.3 that improve DRK pulling capacities ?
Instant swap with the other tank that is "supposed to" have better mitigation/survivability ?
On the other side, PLD and DRK have mechanics to improve help their Co-Tank (Cover, TBN, ...) which is not in the WAR toolkit... So might be understandable to let the WAR as a MT.
I know shirk has more or less put any aggro problem into another dimension and that after pulling it's quite admitted that the tank will swap to his offensive stance because of this and won't go back unless tankbuster or general panic.

Must is a strong word. WAR is preferred to pull only because their DPS loss from pulling is significantly lower than PLD and DRK. Since no high level tanks ever actually use Tank stance (outside of the opener), the one who has the least DPS impact is generally chosen. Also, because of Fell Cleave and the 4.2 WAR changes, WAR can generate MASSIVE enmity in their opener even without their tank stance. Comparing toolkits, WAR is also generally considered to have the strongest personal mitigation toolkit of all 3 tanks, making them even more suited for the MT role. Holmgang and Vengeance are arguably the 2 strongest defensive abilities in the game for end game raiding.