Paladin is the worst tank in ff14. It's not unviable but, it's the worst of the 4.
Here's a few ability adjustments I think might help.
Cover: Model it after Dancer's Closed Position. 'Cover' 1 party member, 30s recast, instant, lasts until removed or the Paladin dies. When you use Sheltron the 'Covered' character receives a 5% mitigation buff for 12s.
Passage of Arms: Creates a designated area in a cone behind you in which party members will only suffer 85% of all damage inflicted, 8y cone for 10s, 120s recast.
The change to this is that it's a puddle the Paladin drops then stays there for 10s. The Paladin can still attack and move without removing the cone. Also, the Paladin can stand inside the area to receive the 15% mitigation buff and does not get the 100% block rate.
Divine Veil: Press the button and everyone inside 20y gets a shield of 10% the Paladin's max HP, 90s recast (even the Paladin)
Clemency: Instant OGCD 750 potency, 2 charges, 120s cooldown. If used under Requiescat uses a Requiescat charge instead a Clemency charge and the target also receives a 150 potency regen for 18s (regen can be applied to the Paladin) as well as healing the Paladin 50% of the heal (only if used on someone else).
What do you all think about this? Is it dumb? Would it break the game? Are any of these good ideas?