Since Regen is clicky enough, I would prefer to get to 45% s/l defense at all times. Even with that 5% difference, the number of hits that slip through will be more than you might think. Furthermore, if you go for the Spiritual Tree for Alpha slotting, you can slide more recharge into every single power you have. Seeing as the +def tree in alpha would only slot defense buffing powers, it would not be very helpful for a regen stalker.
Sure, during tasks like ITF you will find that defense is easily cut down with no defense debuff resistance, but it is still worth it on a melee build like this. I recently completed a revamp of my fm/fa and the difference between 40% and 45% s/l defense is huge.
Well, now I see that you have figured out how to have your cake and eat it too. Enjoy!
Words to the wise aren't necessary- it's the stupid ones that need them.
"You're right...I forgot...being constantly at or the near the damage cap is a big turn off. Definitely not worth it."
- Vitality
Was toying with some builds on this toon now that he's lvl 50, my goal being high recharge and some defense. I was able to piece together a 45% S/L defense build with 88% global recharge, but as awesome as S/L can be I've discovered with my claw/fire brute that it is hit or miss: you'll be indestructable with some groups, but others will just shred you.
So messed with a second build using the soul PPP, and was able to add shadowmeld and also bump my global recharge to 102%. But S/L defense now sits at 40%.
Was wondering which build would offer the better return in survivability. With hasten I can chain shadowmeld/MoG/shadowmeld if things get really ugly, and all positionals are 45% or greater with just shadowmeld running. I don't like relying on it, but since it is a "clicky" build to begin with I guess I could get accustomed to it.
Which build should I invest in? Thoughts?
Thanks in advance guys.
EDIT: NM, figured out how to get the 45% S/L and keep the higher recharge and shadowmeld. Thanks for looking.