I play sentinel and am currently 34. I think its a pretty powerful job. I've dealt with elites a lvl up on me on balmorra. I use Kira all the time, generally send her in first and wait a second or two before i force leap in and usually leave the fight with half our hp. heres my routine: force leap > strike > slash > zealous strike > blade storm > force sweep > master strike then repeat the first 3 or 4 til master strike is back. throw in force stasis to let kira just attack and pacify when available i also use reposte and cauterize. If it's an elite or I know it's going to be a tough fight I'll pop saber ward as soon as they turn to me. and always have enough medpacks on hand.