(Character Name)(Record you broke)(Server you are from)(What Class you are) Mikul 300K+ DAMAGE/PROTECTION Ebon Hawk Guardian http://i1322.photobucket.com/albums/u565/fraser311/Screenshot_2013-05-27_20_43_35_092911_zps763dc2e2.jpg http://i1322.photobucket.com/albums/u565/fraser311/Screenshot_2013-05-27_20_43_35_092911_zps763dc2e2.jpg

Other than "I'm doing it wrong", which I know has to be in there somewhere, I'm falling short on getting the correct calculation results relative to Defense %. I get different stats when putting on Mr. Robot than I do in game. AND using the same defense rating (678 from IG stat sheet, not Mr. Robot) I get wildly different values from LagunaD's sheet and the formula provided in this thread. Excel tells me with a 678 def rating =1/(100)*(5 +12+10+5+ 30 * ( 1 - ( 1 - ( 0.01 / 0.3 ) )^( ( (678+46) / 50 ) / 0.55 ) )) results in a def rating of .497115. ***? 49% def? using Mr. Robot's 804 I get an even greater result. Using a 678 def rating in LagunaD's sheet I get a Def rating % of 17.8% and a total of 39.8%. I know that all of the items/mods/enhancements in Mr. Robot are what I have IG, but they aren't matching up from character stat sheet to the resulting %s in Mr. Robot. In short, I'm trying to optimize here but I'm getting all sorts of wonky results that are not helping in any way. Help? http://swtor.askmrrobot.com/character/4bebb4eb-71a7-4720-9cea-c6e16dc4a65b

Then I believe your search is over, should you still be interested. Contact me ig, Mikul and we can rp the recruitment process

Without sounding repetitive, it really depends on the group and your knowledge of the FP. With the exact same char, and mostly the same gear (some Tionese, some Recruit, 1 Columi piece, BM Saber) I've breezed through every HM FP but also had repetitive hard wipes on SM EV (Gharj, DAMN YOU!!) so it just depends. For me, HM FPs are typically easier ( I said it) because of the smaller group size. However, if you have a decent guild group (i.e., you can communicate with on Vent, Mumble, etc.) that know the mechanics of the various Ops, you can walk through those too. Like has been said before, I'd rather have a teammate that knows every in and out of the fight in full Recruit than a complete moron in full Rakata.

Here's what I use. http://www.torhead.com/skill-calc#500hMGbu0MZcGMMrhzzM.2 Not to be coy, but it really depends on what type of role you want your Guardian to fill. For a more single target DPS, invest more points into Vigilance. For a pure tank, look at the hybrid build I posted or a 31 pt Defense tree build. For AoE dmg, (PvP mostly) which heavily uses Force Sweep crits, look at the Focus tree more. I've played as a 50 full Vigilance (my first, launch char), a full Defense tank, and a hybrid (actually, to me provides the best pure tank ability, due to 1.3 changes to Def tree) and have found utility/enjoyment out of each. Just will really come down more to your playstyle and how you want to shape your character.

I wouldn't worry about it. I've found myself behind 1, 2, even 3 levels from the "recommened" on quests as a Guardian. Certainly makes it tougher, but you should be OK. Try swapping companions if your current load-out doesn't seem to be getting the job done. Don't forget that you can get a lot of easy EXP doing space quests right when you get your ship. I believe I got 1, almost 2 levels of free leveling from that. Enjoy!