This is true, but the regen will have some interesting advantages when built up that would be unique.
Fast recharge Self heal + perm max hp heal, massive regen click , etc.
The downside though is as you say its a bigger hill to climb.
It should be just as viable for tankers. Just of course the two have a different team role.
But with the new tanker damage numbers and aoe buffs, might be a lot better than it was 2 weeks ago.
With tanker numbers might be pretty awesome with a full tilt IO build.
On SOs? Ouch. Unless you have support.
With support though? Should be good. FF defender plus Regen? Etc.
Seems like a good combo. Divine avalanche will help you out in the early levels before you become unkillable.
Both of Kats real aoes will benefit from the tanker buffs coming also
If you want a simple system..
Earn Merits
Buy Enh Converters with merits
Sell Enh Converters
Buy IOs
You can for example buy many more IOs with the money you make off Converters than if you bought the IOs with merits.
Those people buying converters off you to convert IOs and playing the market are making MORE but that leaves the realm of simple.
You can make hundreds of millions even casually playing just doing the simple way.