Elementalists for the most part are squishy. haveing done a bit of Spvp and tournys, the only way to be semi-survivable is the full heal/support build. In this build, you are actualy quite difficult to down. However, since you fully commit to healing, you have little damage output. Any kind of damage dealing setup on the ele lacks true survivability.
Basicly, you can be full support (Not everyone wants to) Or you can spend quite a bit of time dead.