Ilaya will flame me for this comment but I have to push it through 
I can't see why so many people think s/s is the way to go for a champion. We all know the class has been gimped since introduction of RA's, but chosing shield spec gimps them even furthermore imho because of several issues.
(1) Lack of spec points. In order to have the propper debuffs and actually do little dmg, champions are forced to stay at 42 shield spec for slam. This will leave only 39 points for a weapon spec if you want 50 valor for propperly non-resisted debuffs.
(2) Lack of weaponskill. As a part of the spec point issue, shield champs also get furthermore crippled by the hybrid-curse of low weaponskill.
(3) Medium shields. Most tank groups run with at least 2 assisters so the 3rd of the three tanks banging on whatever caster/healer who's being guarded will be totally unaffected by this.
(4) Lack of determination. Old issue - doesnt need further explanation.
Ok, so champs can debuff enemy tanks and interrupt support from distance. If we look at debuffs again, the shield champ can debuff 1 target every 20 seconds and interrupt with 2 spells on 15/20 mins timer whereas one of them leaves the target with root immunity.
On the other hand we have a hero who has
(1) Enough spec points for the wanted 50 shield and 50 weapon spec which as we all know can be lw or cs.
(2) A hell of a lot more weaponskill. Heroes wont miss (or fumble) near as much as a shield champ will.
(3) Large shields
(4) Determination
Heroes are the natural defensive tank, the only little advantedge shield champs had over heroes (ability to cast spells after grapling a target) has already been nerfed. The true role of the champion is not to stand back and defend support but to be at the frontline wreaking havoc at the enemy support - a role LW spec fits much better. Banelord line auguments this even further, especially with the zone of unmana which can be devastating, to say the least.
Along with the long waited "ungimpening" of the champion class, New Frontiers should also clear out the difference in the champion/hero role even more as heroes will get tactics and dashing defense whereas champs get a tripple-wield'ish ability along with a serie of other interruption tools.
I can't see why so many people think s/s is the way to go for a champion. We all know the class has been gimped since introduction of RA's, but chosing shield spec gimps them even furthermore imho because of several issues.
(1) Lack of spec points. In order to have the propper debuffs and actually do little dmg, champions are forced to stay at 42 shield spec for slam. This will leave only 39 points for a weapon spec if you want 50 valor for propperly non-resisted debuffs.
(2) Lack of weaponskill. As a part of the spec point issue, shield champs also get furthermore crippled by the hybrid-curse of low weaponskill.
(3) Medium shields. Most tank groups run with at least 2 assisters so the 3rd of the three tanks banging on whatever caster/healer who's being guarded will be totally unaffected by this.
(4) Lack of determination. Old issue - doesnt need further explanation.
Ok, so champs can debuff enemy tanks and interrupt support from distance. If we look at debuffs again, the shield champ can debuff 1 target every 20 seconds and interrupt with 2 spells on 15/20 mins timer whereas one of them leaves the target with root immunity.
On the other hand we have a hero who has
(1) Enough spec points for the wanted 50 shield and 50 weapon spec which as we all know can be lw or cs.
(2) A hell of a lot more weaponskill. Heroes wont miss (or fumble) near as much as a shield champ will.
(3) Large shields
(4) Determination
Heroes are the natural defensive tank, the only little advantedge shield champs had over heroes (ability to cast spells after grapling a target) has already been nerfed. The true role of the champion is not to stand back and defend support but to be at the frontline wreaking havoc at the enemy support - a role LW spec fits much better. Banelord line auguments this even further, especially with the zone of unmana which can be devastating, to say the least.
Along with the long waited "ungimpening" of the champion class, New Frontiers should also clear out the difference in the champion/hero role even more as heroes will get tactics and dashing defense whereas champs get a tripple-wield'ish ability along with a serie of other interruption tools.