I think one of the largest issues with Paladin is the rigid rotation that is blatantly flat. There is not a single unload phase in it like a GNB DRK or War. Each of these have a build up of some sort to unleash damage. Paladin is just a flat damage line. I think a simple played out version would be a OGCD 3 stack confiter spell to use... say.. ever 2 minutes? Or a GNB continuation to attonement. Atonement -> Confiter x3. This boosts burst phases and allows a mixture of sword and spell combo.

However in my opinion the biggest let down is the only guy with a shield is the worst at mitigating damage. The half white mage is also not the best healer (self). The one with the most supposed utility really isnt. But yet all these weaknesses and we are not even close to anything for damage wise.

I think holy sheltron healing needs to be dropped. Clemency needs to be OGCD, MP perhaps raised, but the healing portion of this class needs to be embraced as a half WHM. Currently it is frowned upon to be using Clemency actively as it is a damage loss. Move it to OGCD or make it a 3x use charge into a big spell to make up damage loss/ neutral like a WHM. The MP cost of it will keep it in check but allow free use. The excess useless healing on sheltron and the Req line will be used to the open use of Clemency. This will not boost mitigation in itself but will make more use of the lore and ability.

Passage of arms needs to be changed to a damage reduction of type of cure 3 spell. Short range big heal. How many different types of mitigations are really needed at this point and we already have DV.

DV needs to be changed to self included. Everyone takes advantage of theirs why can a paladin not? Sure, they do not NEED it but adding that to the spell I can actually use it in a dungeon like everyone else to help me in wall to wall pulling.

Holy Sheltron needs to be changed to target and remove Intervention. Why do I need 2 spells?

Cover needs to remove the oath gauge and increase distance. Even then it wont be used but will be less niche.