the way I see it PLD just needs more HP and an increase in hate from voke and last but not least for BLOCK to be better than Parry.

Block should mitigate a lot of the damage I remember the days of complete block for 0 damage and partial block for some damage. I think this still around to some extent but the effect needs to be re balanced.

concerning hate I tend to use war drum phalanx when there up then follow this with a bloodbath spirits for hp then I divine viel and out manouver if I need mp, and not to mention cover.

Im still experimenting but time and time again its a HP issue and the fact that even when Im blocking the damage reduction isnt great and this is using the Ul dah scutum which has the highest Block stat in the game.