My way of thinking but there is those times when I have 3 to 4 Imps hitting on me. But honestly Kinetic Shield isn't all that good then either lol.
Dump the points into Armor Class ratings and drop KS.
Best time to use Guard is on the Ball Carrier in Huttball or Healer elsewhere if you're there to receive heals. I would put Guard on a guildy healer all the time but PUG groups I kind of go with if I am in his heal range. Why? Because I have been in enough PUG groups to know some healers don't heal anyone but themselves or their guildies.
PUB <> Teams normally. Of course a good PUG can happen on occasion.
Anyone who quits because Reps are outnumbered are quitters. Just saying. I enjoy the challenge. So what if you die? That's part of the gaming. You'll get tougher the longer you play and the more geared up you get. You won't if you quit...
You will be getting hurt for a little while until you gear up. It takes time but don't give up. Sage's are very useful. Get your centurion gear and build up your champ gear slowly. The bonuses makes all the diff.