The job/sub job system was limited to two jobs (I say WAS because this is a FFXI concept). The current class skill system is greater than the job/sub job system.
The Job/sub job did not create unique characters at all. "a paladin is a paladin is a paladin" is how that old job went. If you werent Pld/War you were crap. You really want that old "Bland" system back.
I say bland because people are calling this newer system bland, even though you can fully customize your character with various skills and spells, to create something far beyond your basic jobs. You can turn your gladiator into a paladin, or turn your gladiator into a dark knight (still 1-h but the spells are still there).
I suggest those who are complaining about the class skill system try ranking up more than 1 or 2 jobs and you will see.