I play a Berserker Mesmer in PvE and WvW. It is not a build recommended for all because it is so squishy. This post may not answer the original poster’s question but I hope it can help someone.
My basic philosophy is that I can kill anything that doesn’t kill me first. I pick skills that cause the maximum damage from me and the least damage from the mobs. My build is looking to maximize power and movement. If I can keep moving, I can avoid a substantial amount of damage.
In solo PvE, I recommend using the Signet of Inspiration for Swiftness. You can at a focus to give you unlimited swiftness. I also use Superior Runes of the Pack for extra Power, Precision and Swiftness (+30% duration).
I like combining Harmonious Mantra (from Dueling) with Mantra of Recovery for 3 heals instead of 2 heals. I also use Mango Pies for a constant health regeneration.
My key traits are:
Domination:
Empowered Illusions (15% damage)
Imagined Burden (for Might and Cripple)
Dueling:
Phantasmal Fury (20% crit for phantasms)
Fencer’s Finesse (Stacks ferocity up to x10 and recharges sword skills faster)
Critical Infusion (Increased endurance regeneration)
Harmonious Mantras (for healing)
Chaos or Chronomancer as needed
If I plan to run through zones like Auric Basin or Dragon Stand, I will use Signet of Inspiration and Blink. You can even use Mimic to get a second Blink. The idea is to avoid engaging mobs while traveling. I don’t have any toughness and I have minimal health so the mobs in HoT cause me to melt away in a few hits. Run away to safety as fast as you can. Only engage when you have the advantage.
I always run Greatsword/Sword/x. I often use the focus for the extra swiftness but I also carry a pistol, a shield and a second sword.
An example of an encounter might do like this. In Dragon Stand, most mobs are in groups. A good start for a fight would be to engage them on your own terms on favorable terrain. Since they all move on a path, you can select where to engage. Pick the mob to engage. Start with your offhand weapon. If I am using the focus, I will attack with Phantasmal Warden(5) at long range. Immediately switch to greatsword and cast Mirror Blade and Phantasmal Berserker. This series of attacks should cause serious damage to most mobs. Then you need to keep kiting the mobs.
I hold down ‘D’ and the right-mouse button and I can turn in a large while pew pewing the mobs with the Greatsword (1) skill. When you see the opportunity, switch to the sword/focus, use the Illusionary Leap and Swap skills (press (3) twice). This will root the mob. Then use Blurred Frenzy (2) to heavily damage the mob. Hopefully by turning in a circle, you have been able to keep all of the mobs together and all of your attacks are hitting all of the mobs.
If the situation turns bad, turn and run forward to get maximum distance from them and re-engage. Also, Temporal Curtain(4) on the Focus will also cripple the mobs. If they are running at half your speed, they cannot hit you. If they have slow distance attacks, you can avoid them by dodging.
I rarely ever use shatter. It is counter-intuitive to intentionally destroy your main source of damage output.
If I am using Chronomancer skills, I will usually take Gravity Well (elite skill). It is so cool to see the well grab a group of mobs, lift them up and slam them into the ground. While this is happening, they are not attacking you. Also, Well of Calamity also has a Cripple and Weakness for 2 seconds.
Some advice though:
If you are trying to get hero points in the HoT zones, there are generous people who run groups/squads that do through the zones and get the vistas, hero points, and POI’s. Don’t try to solo everything. Look in LFG and see what groups are running through these zones.