[Aegis]

As a tank, having high melee evasion (parry, dodge, block) is just as necessary as having high mitigation. Your defense rating is not a stat to compare with other classes. However, the statistics for what makes up your defense rating is important (rollover your defense stat to see what makes up your defense rating). Your Armor class will display your mitigation % based JUST off your AC count. However, the defense rating will include any +physical mitigation you may have as well. Physical absorb is not working properly as far as I've tested and can see, in terms of mitigation, although it the resist percentage for physical spells is working. If you're a tank, go for + mitigation and hp, ignore the potential tanking gear with physical absorb. Also, keep in mind that tanks have their innate cap melee evasion percentage (think its 14% block and 8% parry) based off of their STR and DEX stats, and those stack with your shield block percentage. I currently have 65% melee mitigation, with close to 40% evasion (block, parry). This doesn't include any skills I have that add to my defensive power, like a rune I can activate after I've blocked an attack that adds 25% mitigation, or any reactive heals a healer can throw your way. Any other questions you have, throw it my way =D