I love the ideas here and definitely feel the choice of using a shield should have more impact. In D:OS I only had a shield for the first few levels and then even my tanks went two hand. I also completely agree with removed or very low block chance. RNG / design wise blocking is a pain.
I second (third! fourth?) the guard skill or raise your shield type. I also feel that magical armor should be included in these skills and on shields if they aren't already!
A guard type skill, possible -rare- CC tied to shields in some way and increased armor/magic armor on shields would make them ideal for tank focused characters and would balance the trade offs.
Bump the thread if you read this to push for the elegant solutions provided above!
