I run my guys through elemental effects without a care; I don't think the point of combat is for you to come out without having taken a scratch. I think, currently, the system is tolerable and more information is needed to see how it will pan out (itemization, further abilities, consumable economics, mob tooling, etc.)
On an anecdotal note I haven't had a single issue with my melee fighters (both rogue and 2H) considering they have high mobility through abilities and natural movement.
What's the upside? The upside is that you have to be more deliberate about picking your talents and investing your skill points as well as how you itemize your characters. By reducing the amount of AP you put more of a strain on other resources which is good.
