Game mechanics =/= story. They'll never call you a Powertech. This is likely the tradeoff for Mercenaries only using one of their pistols in every cut-scene.

Heat blast solves most heat problems in a static single target rotation. In conjunction with 2/2 Shield Vents it is huge.

Heat blast absolutely makes the rotation work. It's fine. Darkness and Immortal specs get their respective rotation making talents at the top of their trees as well. The original 31pter in beta was Oil Slick, which made sense but I assume they thought tanks needed all their defensive cooldowns at early levels and switched out slick with heat blast. This isn't really a bad thing though. If you want to make a Shield Tech primary hybridized spec for pvp you can skip focusing on the 31st point and put more in another tree. I could dig a high threat component. Please don't.

Mand'alor the Vindicated and the modern generation are great. I stand with them, but I respect their roots too.

Find something in the Star Wars universe that interests you, then read the wookieepedia page about it, follow the links the associated things and learn about them too. Once you get a solid grasp of the basics, memorize the general timeline. Afterward continue on to reading books. Eventually you'll consume much of the vast universe's knowledge. That's how I started and 4 months later I'm reading the aurebesh signs in game without a translator.

Revan gets way too much credit and the Sith Emperor rolled him handily. Vader.

I don't even care if it generates threat. I need this animation.

Not so much, no.

Awesome, good info. I'd make some adjustments to your build but that's really good to know.

There are epic patterns, though I don't know the source. Otherwise Orange and Purple are world drops.

There are some sweet sets on Hoth that should suite you just fine.

Right here. Rage/Vengeance; a focus on maximizing the damage of Force abilities while still using Form V. In all honesty, it's probably actually viable.

His slave massages were great iirc.