Why am I so squishy as a PLD?

You're in a level range where PLD doesn't have all its advantages compared to WAR. You get shield oath at 40 which reduces damage taken, but WAR already has Defiance which gives them a 25% HP boost.

When I came into this dungeon leveling PLD, I had half a cavalry set from WAR and HQ pieces with materia melds on them, and I thought I was getting hit hard on PLD.

Basic tips is just to improve your gear if you can (that one ring especially), try to get drops in the dungeon, make sure you have multiple enemies in front of you so you can block with your shield, and use your cooldowns when getting overwhelmed (such as using them when the adds are present on the first boss, and make sure to get them in front of you).

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Originally Posted by Avalon_Albrook

I wouldn't actually listen to the "don't stress about gear" part, because this is when you should start paying attention to your gear. Paying attention to it now and not letting yourself go to the advanced dungeons with sub-par gear will let you be very aware of what a difference it makes once you get to fights like the HM primals.

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That's not to tell him to be undergeared but that the damage you feel in Brayflox for most players (or atleast in my case) was not a matter of gear, but understanding when to use cooldowns as a Paladin.
Not to sound arrogant but at the difficulty Brayflox presents now is the time to start trying to figure out the mechanics of fights and when to pop cd's. Mechanics are even more pronounced in Qarn even though that is more of a DPS dungeon.

By all means OP get your gear right, it's important but pay special attention to your play. GC gear/haukke/even some whites gives you all you need for this specific encounter. IMO Brayflox is where you really start getting good gear that you want to run repeatedly assuming you aren't a FATE spammer.

I agree, but this is also the point to start being more active and attentive with what you're equipping and how current it is for your level because it will start to make a difference.