Gear...
You can't hope to get really good epics/legendaries unless you have money to throw in the game. Lots of it too
Best bet is:
1) Use specials with good resits - these are still good gear.
2) Depending on class use WM gear. For barb and Knight they're pretty good.
3) Trade for good gear with mags.
U can get good epics/legendaries for mags. There are people who are really well kitted out and only did so via mag trading. A few half hour sessions (preferably in quiet periods) of mag farming could set you up.
Ultimately your play style will depend on your gear. If u can't take dmg then you'll have to play safer. If you can give dmg then you can play more aggressively, etc. I.e. modify your play style to gear.