The point I'm trying to make is that while yes, a staff and a radial are just long sticks, they are different in FFXIV's eyes. And that difference is very important. In the same light, the weapon Thancred is using is not a dirk or a knife or a shiv, it is a dagger. That is why I believe he is just a gladiator since in this game the weapon you use dictates your class. Dagger users in XIV = Gladiators, so sayeth the XIV development team.

Also, none of those classes you mention were actually in the game during the alpha test. I know because I was there. There was a leaked document with planned classes and that is probably what you are referring to. The shepherd's weapon type on that list was listed as "Herding" not axe. But either way, the game makes a clear distinction between a radial and a staff, or a dagger and a knife (should one ever be implemented), due to how the classes system is set up and therefore so should we all.