Disagree. If we start balancing around IOs does that mean we start balancing around all configurations of those builds? Do we consider defense focused builds, recharge focused, damage focused, etc etc? Also what level? Fully purpled out setups with attuned IOs? Frankenslotted builds that don’t have set bonuses? Or builds that have sets but aren’t the max farming builds or those built for the max? At which balancing point if we are considering IOs do we start with and who makes that determination? I would be against any group of players making that determination.
For a small volunteer team of devs this seems unrealistic. Keeping the balance somewhat focused on one universal starting point like SOs seems more manageable.
Edit: in this specific example for Brutes vs Tanks are we focusing on Brutes that build for defense vs tanks? And what if Brutes that don’t build for max resistance or defense? How about those that build for recharge?(Hint: NONE of my Brutes build for defense or resist, including my farming ones and they do just fine) How are you balancing that against IO’d Tanks?