It pretty much excludes a lot of things, from both fights. For example, even though you can wear a shield the attack destroys it, and it can repeat it again the next round. Add in lagging maneuvers from the boss, and bu-bye... you were all carrying 15+ shields right? shifters get to just watch nowadays.

It is hell, but come on, it wasn't designed with this in mind. The herald instant kill ability can now hit anyone as well, it's pretty nutty. Don't get me started on "heat metal" on non-tanks now...