It sounds like a tough situation to please everyone with because of the classless system (as you mentioned). Even though I am an archer, I like bruiser gear for my shoulders and gloves (at least until I find certain uniques). I know many non-tank players prefer the heavy chest and helm pieces because they take the Salvatory Anchor keystone. Because of all of the skill and gear combinations, removing affixes from the pool on items can screw up certain builds, but I do agree that the physical or rend damage on the staves is weird if none of the spells normally do physical or rend damage. Also, I have never seen force shield on a bruiser item, but I'm with you that it shouldn't be there.