All ATs can't be the same as boring. I hardly play defenders but do play sentinals and enjoy them.
The main problem in coh is that everyone wants an unkillable AT that can solo everyting as fast as possible etc.
Some toons are weaker than others, so what, let people play what they enjoy regardless.
The team play was actually better without IOs so people helped and relied on each other, there are difficulty settings to help with soloing anyway on lower damage ATs.
Enjoy the game whatever, play whatever and enjoy your team mates and have fun!
Stop with the spread sheets and comparing stuff and realise you're lucky to be able to even still play the game.