I mained as PLD and stuck with it through 3.0 because Sunk Cost is a hellofva Fallacy, but even while just trying out WAR and DRK I could tell that PLD was a poorly designed class. And I'm not talking about it having bad DPS. I mean, that doesn't help. But compared to every other class, PLD is mechanically and aesthetically boring. It feels more like something you'd whip together for an Alpha Build to test the engine rather than a job to actually release in a finished product.

With WAR you have to manage Infuriated and decide how to use skills linked to it. DRK has to balance MP expense and generation. Both get skills that behave differently depending on what stance they have up. PLD has nothing comparable, and the only active mechanic that it gets that sets it apart from other jobs is Shield Swipe (and even that isn't so special, thank you Reprisal).

Aesthetically, I like the look of PLD, but when it's in action I find it really unimpressive compared to just about every other class. Let's put aside that flash does no damage-It looks and sounds like a wet fart in comparison to Overpower and Unleash. Except for Circle of Scorn, it doesn't feel like any of PLD's abilities stand out.

PLD needs more than just a DPS increase. It needs a total redesign.