I am not a big Crucible player, so don't go too much by me. However, based just on the abilities, here is my analysis: Defenders are great for reactive play and area denial (Control point or Relic capture) Strikers are fantastic for ambush/snap AOE damage Bear in mind, the Striker's Shoulder Charge ability triggers any melee special effects (like Transfusion) and kills PvP enemies in one hit 99%+ of the time. It is one of the most complained-about abilities on these forums. And all you need is some space to run, not a charged bar of any kind (Shoulder Charge does full damage and triggers melee special effects regardless of Stormfist charge status). Fist of Havoc will also 1HK most enemies in PvP. Is it worth it to "waste" the super to kill just one enemy? I'd say if the choices are pop super or die, pop super in a heartbeat. Needless to say, if you run into a scrum of enemies and can trigger super before they scatter, you have a very good chance to get multiple kills. Lightning grenades are useless in open areas, but awesome for choke-point denial (doors etc). A great example is, "WE'VE WOKEN THE HIVE!" (Striker throws Lightning grenade on the door.) "Oh, where did everybody go?" I don't think Strikers or Defenders are underpowered. They have their own style of fighting and movement, and if you dedicate the time I believe they are 100% viable in any mode.