I agree, play what you want. I played a Paladin on Live my entire career. I started a month or two before Kunark, so I had to play catchup. I don't think I reached end-game until Velious. They were fun but I was always a bit under-geared, so I felt as though I was a bit of a paper tank. This isn't a problem if you start one now, as you'll have time to get up there by the release of Kunark. As far as the xp penalty, just grind that shit out like a man.
[You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]
I rolled a monk this time - loving it thus far. Always wanted to be a dps-type. Unfortunately, I've been the MT in the group OVERWHELMINGLY more than just dps. I for one welcome Kunark and the backseat we take, along with the crazy boost in DPS with Tstaff, etc.