Survival Instincts vs. Archer's Stance... which to use?

[Derelict_Co]

<DIV>Level 18, and I just got Survival Instincts.  The bonuses seem nice, but is it worth it giving up that much Slash/Pierce/Crush for the defense/parry?  I'd just like opinions on which is more preferred from experience rangers.</DIV>

[Jayad]

<P>depends on what you're doing.  For grouping, you want to only use your offensive stance pretty much.  For easy solo mobs, stay with offensive as well.  For tough solo mobs, defensive might be a better option.  Of course, in soloing, you can start in offensive stance, hit it with all your ranged attacks and then switch when they get close.  Switching stances makes a big difference in terms of being able to hit and being able to dodge attacks.  You take a big penalty in the other. </P> <P>Also neutral stance is a decent option sometimes (no stance).  You don't get any bonuses but not any penalties, either.</P>

[Safana.]

Since you can remove the weaponskill penalties with the new Ranger Tree its much more useful fighting mobs with Def-Stance.