Dude you need def. If you truly want to use tao, do this. Use a tao and switch when it reaches a number congruent to your normal HP. Then you get the benefit without the negatives. Also, switch on tao when healing, makes the process faster.
Personally when MvP'ing if I didn't just go with my garm I went with an elemental armor corresponding with an elemental attack or attacks that the boss used frequently even better when carded with a skill that freezes, stones the minions in the process.
Just my suggestion anyway.