So far at Level 44, Bodyguard experience:
1. How do you think your Mercenary spec is perceived by other classes?
PVP: Hard to kill when cool-downs are available, easy to kill when cool-downs are on timer; used to be over-powered.
2. How do you perceive your own spec?
PVP: Horrid at low-level PVP due to long cast heals until sometime in the 20s, but much better with the instant heal, emergency scan (may be wrong name, but last talent in healing tree).
PVE: I usually play in a duo with a BH tank, but after recently upgrading some gear for myself and Torian (my best companion for this spec so far), playing BH solo class quests are a cake-walk because damage and survivability is outstanding. Healing as Merc took some adjustment, but is more complex than my 50 Corruption Sorc and more fun.