What do "elemental resistances" add to gameplay?

[Chumpy]

I know different monsters might have different resistances, but unlike Elementals in Din's Curse, there's no way to guess at what an enemy resists or doesn't, and no reason to care.

Similarly, I can't imagine ever equipping one of the elemental defense items. Even if single-element defense is strong (is it?) not all of the enemies constantly shooting at me with ranged weapons are going to use that element. Multi-element defense feels just silly when I could have shields instead.

What does any of this contribute to the Drox Operative experience?

[Moonshine Fox]

I've wondered this as well.

[Chumpy]

I'm curious: has anyone ever equipped one of those items?

I feel like if I'm missing out on a slot, I should be shrugging off at least half the missile damage (or whichever damage type).

[Moonshine Fox]

I've never pursued any elemental resistances, for many reasons.

1. I can't tell what type of damage my enemies do. Some are elementally imbued, but they are rare.

2. The numbers are deceptively low. It feels like adding "+4 EM resistance" will do absolutely jack squat.