#74 - Jan. 28, 2011, 5:23 p.m.
I've just started doing a bit of tanking myself, and have found that it's rather fun. But, it's given me a little bit of insight as well on things.
First, the tank is normally (not always) viewed as the leader of the group. That means they are expected to be the one to get the group through the dungeon successfully. That entails, marking targets should there be a need to CC or simply for directed DPS, knowing the fights, understanding the capabilities of all the folks in their group, and being aware of what possible quests or alternate goals are available within the dungeon.
This is a tall order for some people who don't want to feel like they are "working" so hard or are just not the "leader" sort. Maybe they're just used to sitting back and doing what they're told needs done or what they know needs done, but aren't comfortable neccesarily with telling others what to do.
Second, it may just be a class outside their normal comfort zone. They're used to being ranged dps, or taking care of healing. They aren't comfortable with running right up to a mob (or pulling it close) and standing toe to toe with it. It takes a certain sort of mentality and trust that the group is going to be there for you.
Third/last, (and related to the comfort zone comment), keeping and holding aggro is kind of a big deal right? If it's a class outside your norm and you're still getting a feel for the rotations you need to employ not only to stay alive, but to hold that aggro so your healer isn't eaten, it's going to be difficult to adjust to the "jitters" of the task at hand. If your healer gets eaten, you immediately think/know, it was your fault because the mob went right for them and you lost control.
I'm not saying that's how it should be. I'm just saying that there could be good reason just from the very nature of the expectations of being a tank.
Tanks need to be leaders, and it's a good way to challenge yourself if you're not the leader sort. They're fun to play once you get comfortable and it's a great way to expand your game knowledge. (It reminds me a bit of when those who don't PvP start dipping into it and the nerves that go along with it.)
I think having more tanks speak out about what they love about tanking could help as well. Sharing tips and advice is always a great way to get people feeling comfortable with it.