Why Force Shield and Protection are a waste of points

[thequickone]

For example, I'm amazed at how many engineers I've encountered who are level 25-26 doing guardian runs and I never see them pop a Transferrence. What-What-What??? At least half the engies I've ended up in PUG groups with from 16 onward (with my commando and operative) would use only empathy to heal and would answer "no" when I asked them if they had Transferrence. (Shakes head.)

I was about to agree with you completely and give another example of an Engineer dropping the ball. In fact, I was about to get all "IKR!" or "OMG!", or even "GTFO LOL etc..." in this here thread, but then I thought of my own humble beginnings (still pretty humble, actually).

So let me offer a different example, instead; an example of an Engineer picking up the ball and running with it!

So there I was (all great stories start that way! ), playing another PUG xp run in Outer Limits. I had just been abandoned, due to my faster-than-preferred speed, by all but this one Engineer named Ruler of Awesomeness (whose name has been changed to protect their identity). I cautioned about the risks of carrying on, asked if R.A. would like to continue, and the answer came..."Sure". Now bear in mind, I was running my Op at the time, so I was feeling a bit exposed, to say the least! I told R.A., "stick close and spam Empathy", and off we went. We proceeded to have about four more fast, safe, and successful runs. And R.A. did not spam Empathy. Rather, it began to be used precisely when I would have used it myself. Oh, and it was a dark and stormy night.

What I hope I have conveyed by the harrowing tale above is this: Given the chance, the information, and the encouragement, most players will rise above and shine. Some will even become great; the next generation of legendary players, as it were. Of course, some will not; however, I believe that number of players will be fewer. Remember, be patient and carry on.

The vast majority of us on the forums are fairly well equipped with knowledge, experience, and skill. Unfortunately, I also believe the vast majority of players in the game are not active on these forums. We share our knowledge, experience, and skill here, so why not share it in-game, as well? I'm sure many of you already do. I am also sure your sharing has occasionally been rejected or refused. However, I believe the times it has or will be absorbed make all the effort worthwhile. Besides, how else are we supposed to get the word out (to players and devs alike) about Protection being ineffective in live play?!

Again, great thread and thank you all for sharing!