I found the fight to be interesting without being overly challenging. But I guess everyone sets up their parties differently. With the combination of a shielded warrior staring down the dragon (with Divine Light to aid CC), and ranged dealing with CC itself, the adds and Astarte, it all just worked.
Yes it is interesting how people choose to confront the dragon. I just finished my second run through this past weekend and the second fight was much quicker lasting less than ten mins but unlike you I did not try and tank him at all.
Soulsap and drain willpower with combos of stun and freeze as well as keeping two bloodswarm on him just took him right out of the fight and he never seriously threatened Astarte.
