I've done this, the end result is simply switching out a 10m ranged attack that ignores global cooldown for melee bleeding attack that generates 16 (a lot) heat. It doesn't change much or allow for a visible net gain in dps. It's true, there is nothing at the top of the Shield tree that really acts as "icing on the cake" or makes a total build viable. Most of the damage from PT's comes from burning and procs, which makes it difficult to throw damage on somebody who is shaving a bit off the top. The PT CDs are rather pathetic as well, one Shielding ability is a must use in every fight possible but really pointless. Kolto Overload is legendary in it's laughability. Much like using a bucket to bailout a sinking ship. Nah, I just gotta realize I wasted my time playing and gearing a PT to tank. I don't even know why they put the gear in the game, maybe kinda sorta as a joke? Who knows.

If I'm spec'd into pyro, there is no point of using Ion Gas Cylinder (Which is the 'tank' stance which gives also Guard) and confines you to the use of Combustible Gas Cylinder. The plea here is for BioWare to make tanks viable by reviewing some of the features of PVP which negate the role (or necessity) of tanks. Tanks could certainly use more damage potential, but more chiefly their armor and shield should be more effective. The issue bleeds from another angle, being Crowd Control, since most use it as a means of defensive measures simultaneously for offensive measures and it is arguably too abundant and unmitigated in pvp. Also: When they were designing the game, I doubt they wanted each class limited to one tree spec each.

Wow, sounds like you got it rough. I hardly do more than 2k with a Rail Shot as a Shield PT. Guess I need to L2P, rite?!

I applaud your succinctness, but do have a few questions. Namely, what do you mean?

I see lots of dancing around the fact that you are dependent on a healer, and the healer is not dependent on you.

Stop.

Shield spec and defense/shield gear is only going to prolong your misery in PVP. The damage output is so meager that few classes will sweat you 1 on 1, or even see you as a threat in a group. Worse yet, this is not counterbalanced with any funcionally substantial defensive boosts, you are left with a few 2 or 3 percent defensive modifiers per point spent. Oh yeah, your Defense rating will get a 16% boost which helps you live about 3% longer when somebody shoves a lightsaber down your throat. Your one unique toy; the Jet Charge serves little purpose other than introducing you to, or removing you from a bad situation. If you truly want to play a defensive PT, I would suggest the Pyro spec and just wear a shield. Immediately you get the essential bearing of being defensive but with about 4-5x the damage output, which will serve you more in the warzones or open-world.

The attitude in PVP is to deal the most damage as soon as possible. If you're a tank in PVP, you're at a distinct disadvantage because your shield will not work on force or tech attacks, working only on ranged an melee attacks. The tree is not viable for engaging players and provides no must-have tank abilities or possible game changers at the higher tiers - basically, you get the most out of it at the bottom tiers. I'm more than disappointed in the disparity against defensive playing in PVP, considering they apparently nerfed some of the possible weapons for a tanking powertech. Once people realize you aren't pyro they'll either leave you alone because you're not a threat or string you up with stuns and CC like a pinata because it's funny like that, seeing as you have 1 stun-break ability with a 2 minute cooldown - gunslingers, sentinels and sages (along with ops and assassins...) have their way with you like all day.

So, you need a healer as a Powertech? Sounds feeble.

My first (and only) toon to 50 is a Powertech. I thought by definition it would be one of the two viable Imperial tank classes, with the other being Sith Juggernaut. Turns out that the Shield spec is practically worthless at providing a suitable defense. Most of the time I get held with CC/Stuns before I run out of health and can't deal enough damage to combat an opponent 1v1 of most types. Basically I figured out I'm toast vs. All but the most newb force users. I can battle with some of the Agents, Troopers but not so much Smuggler classes because they tend to just eat me alive. Basically, it's ice skating uphill. I can see what will be different after getting a full set of the top notch gear, but I'm not enthusiastic about seeing anything vastly different in the results. Reading through the comments, it appears there was a nerf to an ability that was OP, it happens. What I fail to see is why the class is given WEAK damage resistances and a subpar damage output. Guess I should go back to Windu vs. Fett as the example for how they designed the game. Oh well.