In response to eddie. I have different opinions about the 4 and the 6 piece set, but yes I think the 6 piece set as is, or modified the way I proposed is not overpowered for what it takes to obtain and maintain it.
Six piece
The barb Set is already hardbash for the 6 piece version, and yes, I would like to see the +dam exchanged for reduced damage taken for the 6 piece set. The 6 piece set requires at least one limited item. I've lost two hides now because of this when I've done the turn in.
I don't know what the limit is, but it is probably low, and I don't have a problem with one or two low limit items making the difference between a good, general purpose, class-specific set, and an elite, specialized set for the same class.
Keep in mind, I'm saying this as someone who has the 6 piece, but will likely dt or similar and will eventually loose his hold on the limited item(s). It will take a LOT of work as someone who only plays his barb to maintain the 6 set solo, and even then all that work only results in a chance of getting the turn-in item.
Then, so long as I'm only needing one more limited item to re-complete the set, I have a 5 in 6 chance of not getting that item, even when I can get what a need to do the turn in. So the end result is I have a low chance of ever finding the trigger, but when I finally do, I can pat myself on the back and then play russian roulette with 5 bullets in the gun.
With that in mind, no, I really don't have a problem with the 6 piece barb set having the power it does now, whether or not that power is balanced between offense and defense as it is currently, or if it became defensively specialized. The tedium involved is literally multiplied in comparison to maintaining the other sets, which can be located, the mob killed, and the specific piece looted. Again with that in mind, replacing +dam with reduced damage taken for less than a handful of people in the game is not overpowered at all.
Four piece
That having been said, I agree with you that the 4 piece set is too powerful as it is now. The four-piece in my opinion, should be more of a general-purpose design for those clans and/or individuals who are using their barbs in a variety of roles, rather than dedicated, specialized main tanks. Right now the 4-piece has appropriate defensive and utility bonuses, but too much offensive power. I think that should be toned down some, although I don't have any bright ideas as to the exact details on how to do it.