Bruisers are fun to play, although many people do not believe they can tank. While it is true that we cannot tank as well as guardians, it seems the latest patch fixed the deflection issue. Just make sure to keep the mobs in front of you, or you will be toast.
We do not have the dps that scouts and nukers possess, its true. But we do have decent dps, and we can tank, provided a healer pays attn to you. In groups, as a backup tank, my job is to keep the casters alive when we get Adds, or when nukers get a bit too hasty.
I imagine we will develop more defined roles as the game matures, using Feign to share the load, or to fd pull, etc.
I also have fun in smaller groups when the Jeer ability can be useful, provided you have ranged weapons.