When is PLD Getting Fixed So It Can Be a VIABLE Tank?

[Zantetsuken]

Paladin survivability is not sufficient to be independent of a dedicated healer.

Paladin MP is insufficient to maintain the party's HP pool for any appreciable length of time, and by appreciable, I mean after the first minute and a half, considering an ether and some Ballad in the mix.

The Paladin in question would also be hit by whatever AOEs are damaging the melee, necessitating healing the Paladin themselves, as well as the melee.

Paladin does not have three thousand MP, or the capacity to rest MP during safe periods in an extended engagement. Paladin is supposed to be redline hate, so they cannot rest for MP, and if the Paladin is not redline hate, then they are a waste of a party slot, better served by a Bard (healing, DDing, actual support capability) or a straight-up DD (superior damage output), or, amusingly, a second White Mage, who will deal superior damage with superior MP restoration capacity, and vastly superior healing capacity.

That line of reasoning is unworkable. ._.

You don't sub out your 2nd WHM for just anything.. you need to sub it for a BRD.

BRD is solid DD, it can refresh PLD MP, and it can do spot healing on the PLD if needed.

The true comparison is:

WAR+(2nd)WHM
-vs-
PLD+BRD

If designed properly, PLD+BRD should survive better, do more damage, and hold hate better than WAR+WHM vs Single IT++ boss mobs (Garuda, Ifrit, Coin Counter, Chimera, etc..)

We already know that WAR+WHM owns battles vs groups of VT mobs - and they should. It's their role.