Is Ghost Reaver a must on ES builds?

[Hex: Onii-Chan]

Welp, was kinda wondering whether i should pick Ghost Reaver or not. Atm running melee energy shield build, that is a bit squishy at the moment.

Are there any other ways to reliably push the shield back up during combat? I mean, i guess one could go for faster recharge rate + reduced recharge delay, but i'm not sure how it would help against damage over time.

Also - does Vaal Pact still work with GR?

[KOS]

you could use bloodseeker + Essentia Sanguis uniques claws and Geofri's Sanctuary as body armour.