Possible Paladin Rework...

[Sokerimuro]

You present some interesting ideas, but the one that really stood out to me was the one quoted above about a "porcupine" effect for ShO. I think this is really a neat idea as it would do two things that I would like. First off it adds a little extra dps to PLD while they are using ShO, which I feel they need. This coupled with making Spirits Within not be affected by the ShO damage reduction or HP% potency decrease would be a big help to bring them closer to where they should be. Also it has the side effect of increasing dps a decent amount when Bulwark is used, so it creates a correlative effect to the damage done by Vengeance. The potency may need to be upped seeing how Vengeance provides attacks of 50 potency, but then again maybe not. Having the effect tied to the shield and block, makes it feel very fitting to PLD. All in all a very good idea.

Glad you like and picked up the same thing I was after, though I did not say it out originally: The synergy between this and our Bulwark ability.

One other thing of note is also the build possibilities this type of idea would enroll: Buckler type of shields would bring some interesting possibilities with their much higher block chance, to trigger this damage more often with weaker mitigation opposed to Tower type where the powerful blocks get much more value out of Bulwark but conversely dropping the dps/threat output. With Kite type standing the balanced middle ground. Little things, little things.

Basically, any changes PLD would get I feel should relate somehow to our shield. Because THAT is what makes us Paladins really, especially since the next upcoming tank is also a two-hander.

[TouchandFeel]

Basically, any changes PLD would get I feel should relate somehow to our shield. Because THAT is what makes us Paladins really

I'm in agreement, at least conceptually.
I think that PLD should still get that final combo attack to come off riot blade and that a new sword attack or two is warranted with the increased level cap coming in the expansion.
However, moving forward I would really like to see SE emphasize the difference between PLD and WAR by building on stylistic precedents already put somewhat in place.
Plainly I would like them to make it more so that WAR defends by attacking (good example being Inner Beast) and PLD attacks by defending (sort of like shield swipe, but your Porcupine idea would be a better example) and also that WAR does more spread out heavy hits, while PLD does smaller more frequent hits. These differences are already somewhat there, but if they were emphasized more in an intelligent and balanced way I feel that it could really make the tanks feel and play in their own satisfyingly unique way.