Are these builds using the shields for defense, or just because they need a shield to complete the set/use certain skills? Over here Zantai makes a claim that shields are a reliable way to increase durability on any character. I’m not sure I agree with that general premise based on my experiences, but then neither of my two shield guys are at endgame yet. Of course, since he immediately mentions how kill speed can increase survivablility after that it’s possible the first statement was intended in the very narrow definition where if you stand still and get wailed on without doing anything you’ll survive a little longer with a shield than without, which is probably true.