Hi, Scry! A few advises and ideas:
Initiative - invest in Wits.
Damage - I have not had such hard times (in case of equal levels) due to 1-2 characters with high Wits, focus on magic armour and use of healing potions. It is also recommended to properly position everybody before the battle as well as using buffs - unless you are ambushed.
AI - you are completely fair about tanks. I wish the Opportunist talent had an additional, alternative mode interrupting enemies that try to run or attack your allies, like postures in DOS1 (where are they all BTW). Plus a taunt ability.
