I happen to LOVE my powertech. Was one of the best pvpers and duelists in my guild. Ironically, only the high-leveled assassin could beat me in a duel. The powertech, especially one who focuses on defense, is a being of pure awesome. He can take damage like crazy, and dish out a decent amount. He's not pure "melee" as it were, but he's in your face, close range with a flame-thrower, a fire-shield that does damage just by proximity, a rocket-punch, and prett decent attacks at mid-range.