Herald - Hammer Backline
it's OK. hammer is still massive damage but IMHO power renegade has a lot more survivability as glint/dwarf is very easy to kill if glint heal is down, whereas renegade traits guarantee a constant stream of dodges.
double sword should be listed as an higher damage, higher skill alternative to staff.
Best backline open field/defending build there is. Dwarf herald is slightly more necessary rev spec but this is still very strong. Very weak build inside enemy keeps and towers, dies easily as people can cloud it down thus 4 stars as you're better off in the more survivable retribution version or staff weaver often times.
This however deserves 5 stars when there is no commander, enemy is much stronger than you or it is only open field fights.
Best and easiest build for poor man in WvW so far, monstrous damage, easy to get away from pressure thanks to Impossible Odds and Riposting Shadows. A build truly meant for pirate ship.
Best herald build for pirateship or if you play like an ele. Most heralds use the frontline build esp if you don't pirateship 24/7. So for the situation described it deserves 5 stars. But you should prob just play frontline and push like a man.
For pugging it doesn't get much better than this. A+ aoe damage from a safe distance with a very versatile kit. Plenty of evasion for sustain, glint heal as the panic button, bit of group utility, etc. As fun as it is effective.
Use malicious reprisal in devastation tree if want to be top dps in your squad. Play like a pro not a casual. :****
Once the king of DPS, this build has had its damage lowered quite a bit, to really force it to compete with other classes for DPS slots. That being said, for a composition that focuses on sustain attrition or range, this build pulls its weight. For melee ball heavy groups, this build is much weaker and is outshined by other competitive DPS options. 4 stars because the support options are still very good and well rounded, making this build a good selection for pugs for sure.