The Problem with Paladin

[Phobos]

Is it possible the point of PLD is increased dmg output balanced by an above average tanking and survivabilty all wrapped in one package?

Maybe we're looking at this in the wrong light.

A master of sword and shield, the gladiator is a melee specialist who excels in defense. Though his individual blows do not deal great damage, he is able to deliver them in quick succession, a quality that has earned him a reputation for dependability. The paladin job sacrifices maximum HP, but this is compensated by way of greatly enhanced defense as well as the ability to cast healing magic. Valiant by nature, a paladin can shield his comrades from blows, making him the unyielding rock upon which a party’s defense is built.

Nope. This is the light I'm trying to look at PLD in, yet it fails to hold up to what it seems their intention was.

Has anyone looked at the Darklight Heavy Stuff?

Darklight Heavy Armor (Body - Cannot equip head)
Defense: 308
HP: +160
Enmity: +45
Vitality: +20
Evasion: -20
Ma Evasion: +10
Regen: +5

Darklight Heavy Flanchard (Legs - Cannot Equip Feet)
Defense: 218
HP +140
Enmity: +25
Vitality: +12
Dexterity: +12
Evasion: -20
Ma Evasion: +10

Darklight Heavy Gaunlets (Hands)
Defense: 85
HP: +80
Enmity: +45
Vitality: +12
Mind: +12
Evasion: -20
Ma Evasion: +5

Now i realise this is a rare drop from the dungeons, but come on, i jizzed in my pants when i saw this, so hope to get it all one day.

While the new gear is very nice, and I agree with you I needed a thorough pants-cleaning after looking at them, I feel as though these are going to be very difficult to get based on their stats, and I don't feel as though the gear PLD can wear (which, btw WAR can as well) should be reason to use the job over the class.

Ultimately, my problem is not necessarily that GLA is better than PLD (which I beleive it is), but that PLD should outclass GLA and WAR in terms of tanking (both in regards to enmity generation and survivability), but suffer in terms of DD. Currently, this is not the case.