Next tip>> Black knight Phase 3. I have found out that that ae spell he cast in this phase is DEADLY if you are at range! However! It is WEAK in melee range! keep your toons at range for phase one and two. then either use interact with target or your follow button/macro and group right up on him for the final phase. EASY MODE!
Interesting ... I didn't know there was a range component to his phase three damage. I occasionally completely wipe on BK, but even more often it comes down to the tank beating down his last few hit points with four dead party members to rez. I hadn't made the connection for some reason, even after Loken. Thanks for the suggestion!

The thing I hate most about it? You have to stand there with your dick in your hand for like 10mins while they announce the damn gladiators.
I've gotten into the habit of mounting up one character as soon as the mounts spawn and starting the event. There's plenty of time to mount up the remaining four and stack Defend, and it helps pass part of the time. That intro sequence is still heinous though. I wouldn't be surprised if they eventually pare it down to "please welcome ... these five guys!" and then the door opens.