My issue with your design for your swordmaster is that his armor level is wayy too low.
Minimum chance to hit is 5% – that means, no matter how much dodge you have, you’ll get hit 5% of the time. An Orc Boss can easily pump out 200+ damage on a hit, so armoring your swordmaster. to at least survive the freak hit happening is advisable.
I agree. This is why I stick at least Lamellar Harness on all melee toons.
Also, seriously? 88 Melee Defense on a Swordmaster character is normal; it’s nothing even remotely special. I have a current one at 110 without the Melee Defense starter Trait; with level up luck and that Trait, 120 is probably doable unbuffed.