As a top end dirge. I feel that DPS is not a secondary Goal... there is other ways to survive then rely on something as a shield spec..... the only thing we can do besides running the right buffs at the right time... which IMO should seldom be changed from. DPS, DMG Proc, Skill+, Parry(aa +mit), and either hate if the tank needs it or Power and on the rare occasion Nox song with ward enhance.... is to DPS the best we can. rule one in this game is the faster something dies the less will go wrong. there is nothing wrong with wanting to max out your dps. i will even be honest and say i am not the best dirge on my server as far as straight dps goes... but i hold my own in the top 5 to 7. so if no one is dead... and you have nothing else to do then why not try to DPS as hard as you can... i am not saying that each to his own... if you like to use a shield thats your thing. but honestly i think if you want to truly find out how you can max out your style. you need to be willing to try somethings out on your own and see what works for you...