Perma shelved my DRK: No role, no idenity, no lore, no worthwhile skills, no fun

[Reynhart]

Can you really say that about PLD though? After you learn atonement, that's pretty much the only time your gameplay changes.

Intervene is new, Atonement is new, Holy Circle gives you a magic AoE phase you didn't have before, and Confiteor give you a magic finish.

For DRK...Stalwart Soul changes your AoE gameplay, and Living Shadow is...well, there.