My two-coppers on Plate and Bards as Tanks.

I have only 80 strength. I won't wear plate because it is too heavy (unless I find
a way to radically enhance my strength). I would wear plate if I could. I don't
think a rule change is in order. Nobody is forcing anyone to wear plate. I have
100 Charisma and 100 Dex. I like the decision I made, but I also realize that I
cannot solo this character at the level I am or in the future. I can take a lot of
attacks and receive less damage than any of the tanks in my party. I can't dish
out the damage they do, but it all works out well this way.

Narcissus of Povar

>
> We don't have the HP that the grunts do (not by a long shot). We don't
> have the innate combat abilities they do. Although we *can* act like
> tanks, and we *can* solo, that is not our strength. If you can get it to
> work for you, good on ye, mate.