A little talked about but possibly a new popular playstyle (with the recent changes) is shield + one handed weapon or sword and boards. Yes, it's the laughing stock of a playstyle in this game but with the recent changes to crafting/better epic gear/ and additional enhancements could it be a potent niche playstyle? But there is one potential hurdle between "regular" players and this playstyle. Simply, it's the gear issue.

The Gear Problem: Sword and boards are inherently unpopular probably because of this fact alone. It's really REALLY hard to gear properly for. But with the artificer crafting/canith crafting and new gear is it possible for a relatively new player (who just got to 20 lets say) to make a viable, perhaps even strong, shield and board character?

What would be the gear/crafting layout? How long would it all take to achieve? And finally, is it all worth it?

Discuss.