Used to be all power/prec/crit with rifle, nades and static discharge, but now I run with pistol/pistol conditions, both for pve and pvp.
I still feel that I’m not as effective as I used to be, but I feel I have more mobility and survivability. I also bring more to a group fight than before due to elixir tool belt skills, like aoe protection, might and condition removal. I guess it boils down to whether or not you prefer to play solo/small groups or in larger groups.
For me, the downside of power/prec/crit rifle builds is that you are super predictable in pvp/wvw. Pistol/shield can really turn the tide of a fight with a well timed magnetic shield, and it’s alot more satisfying to win by outsmarting your opponent, than just crush him with sheer damage. I do miss the control I had with the rifle., though.
I also agree that conditions are excellent for wvw, since nobody cares about removing them.