I'd like Block Rate a lot more if Shield Swipe was off GCD...Also from what I've experienced I like my tower shields with High Block Strength, because Bulwark becomes a decent and reliable talent for mitigating incoming damage. The arguement could be made that maybe blocking 10% damage frequently would be better than blocking 30% less frequently, but I like being able to throw up bulwark and essentially having another Rampart on physical mobs.

Not too deep into any real end game, but since I got Bulwark and messed with the various shields, I've prefered the higher block strength shields. I could be completely off my rocker and wrong, but I've noticed a difference in damage input when I throw up bulwark and use a tower shield vs a round shield/kite shield.