Gee, I wonder why? You probably use a copycat build too, so why are you on the forums slamming people for asking questions? If you're not going to be helpful, hit the bricks.
The problem with Tactician is that you're contributing to the group in a pretty major way, but nobody ever notices. That GWF that just did 7.8 million damage instead of 6 million damage only notices that you almost got out damaged by the DC. Hehe.
I feel you, bud. I mostly PUG too, thanks to a stupid work schedule. I'm running a slightly modified Iron Maiden build, but it's essentially the same thing. The invincibility is pretty much necessary to "tank" dungeons in PUGs. Running in Knight Commander with buffed Into the Fray also makes me feel like I'm not completely…
No, Tide of Iron is useless for your build in the specific situation you mentioned. I use a SM Tactician build and it's amazing. You can refill your guard while you're immune to damage and go right back to tanking. By the time your guard is getting close to being empty again, your AP is full and you're immune to damage…
Besides those small issues, I really like the look of them. If they could fix the way they're held, I could deal with the way they rest on your belt. Those don't look too bad. Not a fan of the dragon blades though.
I guess I'm just unlucky. I've done this skirmish dozens of times and nothing. Eeesh. [Edit: Almost a week after the initial post and dozens of skirmishes. Still haven't gotten it to drop. I'm going to give up now.]
If you've read the books (and the Silmarillion), Gandalf does some gnarly stuff. He physically kills a Balrog (a corrupted Maiar). His presence inspires fear in mortals when he chooses. He drives the Nazgul away several times, including the Witch King of Angmar. Gandalf seems to do most of his awesome stuff "off stage", so…
Eru Iluvatar (the creator of the Middle Earth universe) created the Ainur, of which there are the Valar (greater powers) and the Maiar (lesser deities). Gandalf is one of the Maiar. So in a wizard battle, I'm going to stick with the immortal god-like being.
Queens of the Stone Age is always in my rotation, because they just make great music. Electric Wizard - Eko Eko Azarak Sleep - Dopesmoker Early Man - War Eagle OM - Pilgrimage (http://youtu.be/Jt3rUA5iHEU)
Switching back and forth between melee with a hybrid build does INSANE amounts of PvE damage. Anyone not doing it is severely limiting their potential.
I just haven't found a companion that I really like so far. Wizards seem to be the best as far as actually contributing. Clerics just run off and pull more mobs, strikers dies in 15 seconds flat, and tank pets seem kind of pointless. Meh.
I've been doing pretty well in PvP with my GF. Even in kind of crummy gear. My problem is that I feel like a wet kleenex in PvE. I suspect that's partially due to pugging, since I generally end up with the most damage/kills in dungeons, which might be an indication that other people aren't pulling their weight.