Having a lvl 50 DM/EA brute, I must say that's a really nice build BlissfulChaos. I like the extra slot on all the attacks that have the Kinetic Combats, it's really needed. I also agree that going as far over an EA brute's defense caps is recommended because EA really has no other mitigation (unlike WP or SD).
I'm wondering about the choice of Doctored Wounds IO set in Energy Drain though. Was it for the recharge bonus? If you have 5 mobs you could heal around 30% from it, or if you slot the Performance shifter set, you can fill your end bar from 2 mobs and get the extra 3% aoe def and 1.5% fire/cold plus 2.5 end recovery.
Also, any preference on taking Aid Self? I know the build is tight on power slots, but Energy Drain slotted for recharge and heal still has a long enough downtime that if a heavy hitter knocks you around you could run into trouble.
