PLD's primary stat for auto-attack damage should be changed to VIT instead of STR.

When you look at all other melees, their primary and secondary stats are also their highest stats. PLD's highest stat is VIT followed by MND. Their AF gives VIT and MND. Heavy Darklight gear is all VIT. Nothing a PLD is intended to use has STR on it.

Whatever you do, don't pump DEX. Blocking doesn't do a whole lot for damage mitigation, you can increase block rate to 100% for 33% of the time with Divine Veil, and adding DEX has no noticeable effect on Accuracy.