Viability of ranger/cleric duo (at higher levels)

[Ephirith]

Rangers are extremely squishy, that's one area where their horrible reputation is actually deserved. It isn't so bad until 50 because your defensive skill caps more or less keep up with the strength of mobs. Note that a ranger's defense caps at 200 at level 40, and then it never goes up again. But after that you're going to find that mobs just rip you apart like tissue paper, particularly if they are unslowed.

Let's take a look at these defensive skillcaps:

Ranger:
Defense: 200
Dodge: 137
Parry: 185
Riposte: 150

Rogue:
Defense: 252
Dodge: 210
Parry: 230
Riposte: 225

Shaman:
Defense: 200
Dodge: 75

Under ideal conditions yes, you would be able to make a pull, root any adds, slow the mob with your epic, and then tank it while the cleric heals you. But how often is it actually like that?

Anywhere you're actually going to want to solo is going to be full of casters, who are hard to CC with root. The pulls and camp breaks will likely be difficult, and you're not an exceptional indoor pulling class, and your partner isn't a chanter. If the pull goes south you're dead. Your ranger will be taking tons of damage, and neither of you are packing clarity. The cleric's mana pool will be extremely stressed, and clerics don't get mana recovery abilities. Sometimes slow just won't proc and you're juggling 2-3 rooted mobs.

I would go with a shaman because torpor can be a decent surrogate for c-heal, but more importantly, a shaman can recover their mana through canni to keep up with the excessive damage you'll be taking, and reliable slow on demand will be a godsend. No matter what, you're going to be the weak link.

Alternatively, have your friend roll an enchanter and solo the difficult camps while you watch on your ranger.