The important distinction is that a similarly built brute and tank won't be other worlds apart(the tank still wins btw), aside from aoe if we're just talking 1:1 build clones, but that's not how people build.
But, between higher base values, generally better +dam scaling, two INSANELY useful atos, larger cones/target caps, and with the removal of most of the tank's exemping disadvantage? You can always build a tank that's stronger than the equivalent powersetted put brute.
Not only do tanks basically do almost everything a brute does better, but the handful of things brutes technically do better are so marginal that you'd be better off saving the copium for another occasion.
The fact this is still even a "debate" just amuses me. Find a single brute that can even keep pace with a rad/ss tank. Spoilers: you can't.
Nerf their target caps, they'll still be better. Nerf their defenses, while questionable, they'll still be better. Nerf procs, they'll still be better, because brutes lean on procs just as much, lol.