M1 AMF/GA M2 Tank, heavy AC, BL M3 Mage, CoC, VA
This group was excellent at defeating DM FB groups. I regularly had DM FB groups ~70k pr above me in my favorites list. The strategy was to reduce damage to such a high degree that my tank, unless stopped (or slowed) by another tank, would be nearly invincible. Since most DM FB groups are comprised of enchanters and mages, the tank's bloodlusted Morgul Hammer effectively flattened their faces before they could become a threat. If this strategy was designed to beat DM FB groups, why did I train up GA and VA to be dispelled away? Simply to round the strategy well enough to compete with other strategies out there. This is the same reason I decided on backing up my tank with a CoC mage, but since no DM group is going to train up AMF, it worked also to strengthen the main purpose of the group: Killing DM FB.
I considered this strategy to be nearly perfect except for one major flaw: Eventually the effectiveness of the ToE would wane in comparison to armor. It would need to be replaced by armor and a new tattoo.
So let's take a look at how I made the transition: Feuersturm
It's almost the same group, the first enchanter casting AS and sporting my newly inked RoS is the minion I freshly hired. This group functions the same way as it did before, I lost only one char off my fightlist, but gained a few. My score hasn't moved much either. This was a complete success.
Advantages gained:
Now I am able to freely armor my mage without tattoo constrictions (specifically a CoI).
GA versus FB mages and ToA tanks regardless of of a possible DM is a godsend... and that's that.
VA will allow my tank to last longer under the heat of a FB.
Two 'mine' minions have been added to the front of my group, hurting all who have to work through them.
Disadvantages? I feel that disadvantages will present themselves, but right now feel theat they've been minimized. Replacing my ToE's damage reduction with armor will certainly be costly, though.
I feel that I have successfully adapted this group to compete in the long run through the higher reaches of PR. It may turn out that this strategy is superior to my previous strategy in every way. Watch and find out!