More only stacking as much defense and defensive talents as you absolutely needed with the rest of your stats/equipment/talents rolled into dps. A Fury/Protection tank had a much higher threat ceiling than one who is full Protection. Also being able to roll Heroic Strikes with your auto attack between Sunders made a difference in threat.
Back in the day we funneled loot to tanks, but only if it was a slot upgrade for tanking. They didn't get dps loot unless the rogues/hunters didn't want it. Besides, who were we going to give Plate to? As Alliance, lol paladins? As horde, no other class wore plate. Most of the 2H dps stuff ended up in warrior hands as hunters would all have Lokdelar. Thought process being the stronger your tank, the fewer healers you needed. Rings and amulets went to dps over healers.