Didn’t read the thread past the first post but there’s nothing wrong with Ele except that it takes more skill to play than one of the derp classes like a warrior where you just go greatsword and hit 5 then 2 and everything near you dies.
Ele are only squishy if you don’t use active skills. If you just sit there getting hit then yes of course you are going to die fast. Ele survivability is all active, not passive.
In addition to the stuff every class gets – dodging and just getting out of the way by kiting – ele have all sorts of survivability skills. I am willing to bet your problem is that you have taken only DPS skills and then you wonder why you die fast.
Take arcane shield or mist form. Make use of your blinds, stuns and knockbacks and knockdowns. Take an elemental summoning skill and use the earth elemental to tank. Put points into water and/or earth. Use earth armor.
If you play like a glass cannon you will die a lot. But ele still do very good damage even when not specced and skilled for pure damage. Learn to use your survivability skills and talents and you’ll do just fine.