Does Phys/Shield Warlord only come good late game?

I’m using Ford Prefect’s 2H Cadence Warlord as a rough guide for levelling, using extremely meh self-found gear, and kicking the snot out of elite (am mid level 60s).

It’s quite good fun, am using the jumping movement rune (the one that does phys dam) and squishing mobs like bugs, it’s not subtle, it’s just a 2H soldier with a little Oathkeeper to support, but it’s a pretty cool levelling experience if skating all the way to level 100 isn’t your bag.

oops h/t @fordprefect