I hadn't read anywhere in the patch notes that Reduce block cost was moving to the Shadow tree, so now it has to compete with points in stam reduction and regen. Also, Shield Expert has moved to The Lady and only requires 30 points in the passive now.
With bracing removed and losing the 20% block cost, I noticed today 1H & S passive is now 36% block cost reduction, so that was a bonus.
If you were putting 120 points into The Steed for the Reinforced passive, you will have to completely rethink it now that Shield Expert is in The Lady.
On a side note, I wonder how many will put a lot more into Bastion now that Bone Shield give protects from spell damage as well as physical.
I've got it up to 35% of max health from 30% which on 40,000 health (13500 Bone Shield) means the first decent shield I've ever had on a non-magic character.
I can now drop block and attack more often, 2 heavy attacks will proc some stam return, plus the new increase on enchantments, I have absorb stam, so it gives me 500 stam on that proc too.
DPS should increase with wrath plus, enchantments/poison will/should mean much more damage output from tanks.
I'm Interested in thoughts from the wise forum folk.